A MASSIVE food hygiene scheme has been launched in Tendring to pick out the cleanest eateries – and identify those which need improvement.

More than 700 businesses across the district have been inspected, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, nursing homes and schools.

They were given a 0-5 rating, with a five indicating outstanding hygiene and a zero meaning urgent improvement is needed.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run by Tendring Council with the Food Standards Agency to help boost standards around the country.

 Council cabinet member Nick Turner said: “It is our job to ensure, along with those running the business, that you can be confident of a certain standard when you shop or go out for a meal.

“A low score does not mean it is not safe to eat or buy from that establishment.

“What it indicates is that at the time of the inspection it is safe – but it needs to strive for improvement and there is an incentive for it to do so.”

Scores can be seen online at tendringdc.gov.uk and food.gov.uk/ratings.