WEST Devon residents are being urged to 'look before you book' if you are dining out this Christmas.

 If you're planning that special Christmas meal with work colleagues, friends or family, the environmental health team at West Devon Borough Council, in partnership with the Food Standards Agency, would like to remind you to check the restaurant's food hygiene rating before booking.

 Christmas is a time to enjoy good company and good food without worrying about food poisoning, but the truth is, you can't tell a restaurant's hygiene standards by how clean and tidy the staff look or by how busy it is.

 It's the things you can't see —like germs spread by bad hygiene practices — that you need to consider. There's one easy way to set your mind at rest — just go online and check the Food Standards Agency website: http://www.foood.gov.uk/ratings">www.foood.gov.uk/ratings or if you're out and about check for the green and black sticker. If you can't see one, just ask the business about their rating.

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

Ninety three percent of food businesses are rated three or better so there are plenty of places with good standards and you can easily avoid taking your family to those not meeting the grade.

If you don't see a green and black sticker in the window or you spot a low rating online, you can make a better informed choice.

Catherine Brown, chief executive, Food Standards Agency, said: 'This Christmas, do this one little thing for peace of mind when eating out. Take a moment to check the food hygiene rating, pick the right place, and enjoy a great meal out.'

 Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of the Community Services Committee with responsibilities for  Environmental Health said: 'Across West Devon we have a range of wonderful places to eat and it's easy for people in West Devon to check hygiene ratings online and choose a restaurant for their Christmas parties that take food hygiene seriously.

'This is an important time for local businesses.

'A good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of.

'It matters to customers so we are encouraging all businesses in West Devon to display their rating and have a prosperous Christmas season.'