After flowers or chocolates, the next big question that’s usually on the agenda for Valentine’s Day is whether to go to that romantic restaurant or enjoy a quiet meal in. Whatever your recipe for eating out or in this Valentine’s Day, make sure you choose one of the 500 plus food businesses in the Tandridge District Council, with a rating of 3 or more.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates food businesses on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Environmental Health Officers. Businesses in the area are rated from 0 which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to a top rating of 5 which is ‘very good’. So, whether you’re reserving a table at a pub, restaurant, or cafe or ordering a takeaway on your way home, make sure you check the hygiene rating first. Look out for the green and black food hygiene rating stickers displayed on windows and doors.

If you can’t see a sticker, ask staff inside or check online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings . Councillor Tony Elias, Chairman of the Community Services Committee, said: “Valentine’s Day is a busy time for our local restaurants, cafes and pubs, with the majority of food businesses rated 3 or above. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme makes it easier for everyone to choose to eat their romantic meals in places where food hygiene is taken seriously.

So this Valentine’s Day, make sure you order the flowers, buy the chocolates and check out the food hygiene rating of your favourite places to eat or order from, at www.food.gov.uk/ratings." Catriona Stewart, Head of Food Hygiene Ratings team at the Food Standards Agency, said: “The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a great tool when choosing where to eat out, particularly when celebrating a special meal, because it tells you what’s going in the kitchen and behind the scenes.”