MANY of us will be putting on our finest gladrags and meeting eyes with our love interests or partners over the table as we settle down for a romantic Valentine's Day meal.

Ahead of the romantic occasion, South Somerset District Council is urging people to only eat at restaurants that have a good food hygiene rating - in a bid to avoid an unwanted Valentine's present.

St Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular times for going out for a meal – to time to enjoy good company and good food without worrying about food poisoning.

The ratings are determined by local authority food safety officers and run from zero to five rating, with a five rating meaning a very good level of food hygiene.

Around 95 per cent of food businesses are rated three or better in the district, and the authority is urging people to look for a green and black sticker in the window as that advises you on that eatery's rating.

Cllr Carol Goodall, portfolio holder for environmental health, also encouraged local restaurants to clearly advertise their ratings.

Cllr Goodall said: “Make sure you check the hygiene ratings online or in the restaurant window and choose a restaurant that takes food hygiene seriously.

"This is also an important time for local food businesses as a good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of.

"It matters to customers so we are encouraging all businesses in South Somerset to display their rating."

The food hygiene rating tells you about hygiene standards in restaurants and other food businesses.

For more information or to check out a restaurant's rating, go online and check the Food Standards Agency website, food.gov.uk/ratings or if you’re out and about check for the green and black sticker.