Dont eat more than you bargained for this Christmas

This time of year people are booking tables for their festive meals, the police have issued constant reminders about staying safe over the festive season when it comes to drink / drug driving as well as taking extra care when walking home or booking a taxi. Yet there is also another real threat that very few people seem aware of and that is food hygiene.

If you've been tasked with organising the annual office party or a meal out with family and friends in the run up to Christmas then you can check out the food hygiene rating of your preferred local restaurant, pub or hotel before you book.

Good food hygiene is getting easier to spot thanks to the recent introduction of the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Restaurants, pubs, hotels, (as well as cafes, takeaways and other places that sell or serve food) are now being rated from 0 - 5 on their hygiene standards when a food hygiene inspection is carried out by South Gloucestershire Council.

Christmas party goers can also look out for the distinctive green and black stickers that businesses are encouraged to display at their outlets to tell their customers the rating they were given.

Cllr James Hunt, executive member for communities, said: "When dining out, you'll choose to go to a place where you like the food and you know you'll have a good time. Don't just check out the menu, it makes sense to look before you book and check out the food hygiene rating as well."

It's very quick and simple to check a venues food hygiene rating, this can be done online at food.gov.uk/ratings, where you can search by company name, area or post code.