THE issue of food hygiene in restaurants and fast food outlets is one that concerns many people in the Bradford district who regularly eat out or order takeaways.

They will be somewhat reassured to learn that standards are improving.

Bradford Council says in a report on its Food Safety Service Plan for 2016-17 that businesses classed as “broadly compliant” with hygiene regulations was up from 85.8 per cent to 92.8 per cent.

That is, of course, good news, although it means that more than seven per cent are not “broadly compliant” – and that term in itself seems a relatively vague one.

In relation to the ratings of premises, it seems those rated zero – the lowest – has stayed exactly the same at 0.2 per cent.

But there has been a small increase in the numbers with a five star rating, rising from 60.4 per cent to 62.2 per cent, which is a positive move in the right direction.

It would seem that making the ratings publicly available is starting to have an effect.

It means that no matter their size or status, it is much easier for the consumer to check on what efforts cafes, restaurants and take-aways put into keeping their kitchens in order.

And if ratings aren’t acceptable, it allows diners to vote with their feet – a food purveyor without customers is a business that will not last very long at all.

There is absolutely no excuse for poor food hygiene putting diners’ health at risk, and although we are moving in the right direction, there are still too many that are not reaching the required standards.