DINERS can be sure they are eating hygienically at most of the food outlets recently inspected in the Taunton and Wellington area.

A total of 27 of the 45 premises received a rating of 5 or ‘very good, with nine given a score of 4 for ‘good’ and six adjudged 3 or ‘satisfactory’.

Improvements were deemed necessary at three businesses, which received a 2 or 1 grade.

Among the top performers were schools, care homes, fast food outlets, pubs, NHS units and a butcher’s.

Cllr James Hunt, who holds the environmental services portfolio at Taunton Deane Council, said: “It is good to see that more than half the premises inspected gained top marks. It makes good business sense for firms to be able to display good food hygiene.

“Consumers, including myself, are very interested in the food score ratings – and rightly so as it gives people a clear steer on the cleanliness and safety of a place where they may shop for food or consider as a venue for a meal out. They can look before they book or shop.”

HOW THE VARIOUS OUTLETS RATED.

5***** (VERY GOOD): The Brambles, The Rectory Care Home, Cedar Lodge Care Home, Four Season Health Care, Somerset Care, City Limits Bar, Holiday Inn M5 J25, Marks and Spencer, Four Season Restaurant and Pondside Cafe, Riverside Butchers, Tesco Express, West Street Stores, Cook, Musgrove Park Hospital Parkside (private wing), Holway Park Community Primary School, Bishop Foxs Community School, Lindley House, The Chip Cart, Susan Knight, Ballderdash and Bunting, Pyrland House NHS Trust, Costa, The Food 4 You Company, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Chez Amis, Ring of Bells, Angela Fay Webber.

4**** (GOOD) St George’s Residential Home, Bishop’s Hull Butchers, Maliha, Wellsprings Chapel, Mrs Pyke, Woody’s Preserves, Nosebag Catering, The Knights Rest, Castle Green Inn.

3*** (GENERALLY SATISFACTORY) The County Stores, Halcon Stores, Wivey Larder, Crystal Kebabs, Wyvern Club, Taunton Railway Sports and Social Club.

2** (IMPROVEMENT NECESSARY) Munchies, The Waggon.

1* (MAJOR IMPROVEMENT NECESSARY) McColls.

Information supplied by Taunton Deane Council.