COUPLES looking forward to a romantic meal for Valentines Day on Friday have been urged to check out the eatery’s food hygiene rating first.

Ninety-six per cent of restaurants, cafes and takeaways in East Devon have a rating of three or more.

Results are based on inspections carried out by East Devon District Council’s environmental health service.

Businesses in the area are rated on a scale ranging from zero, which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’, to a top rating of five, which is ‘very good’. Green and black food hygiene rating stickers are displayed on windows and doors.

Visit www.food.gov.uk/ratings.