A new star rating from zero to five will be published to let people know exactly how hygienic businesses serving food are in Peterborough.

Environmental health officers at Peterborough City Council will inspect the 1,450 food outlets and the "scores on the doors" will be posted in public in a bid to drive up standards.

A rating between no stars (poor) and five stars (excellent) would be awarded, and businesses will be encouraged to display a star sticker outside their premises so diners know exactly what to expect when they walk in.

While the council has been swift to point out that there are no known problems with the city's existing hygiene standards, they admit that "scores on the doors" would help prevent cases of food poisoning.

Today, cabinet member for the environment and community safety Cllr Graham Murphy said: "No-one wants to come bottom of a list. It will encourage businesses to drive their hygiene standards up and try a little bit harder."

Today, restaurateurs welcomed the move.

Rony Choudhury, manager of Bombay Brasserie in Broadway, central Peterborough, said: "There is great competition in the city so it would be a shame and embarrassing to come bottom of a list.

"Most restaurants already have high standards, but hygiene can always be improved.

"Knowing that the ratings will be made public or be in the newspaper keeps everyone on their toes."

Co-director of Gaston restaurant in Broadway Henry Perez said: "I imagine it will improve standards in the city.

"At Gaston we have an open kitchen– so we have to keep our hygiene levels high because the customers can see in. But when kitchens are closed, who knows what happens beyond those doors?"

A report due to be presented to the council's environment policy overview committee tomorrow reveals that the authority was adopting a "carrot and stick approach".

The report reads: "By making the food hygiene rating available to the public, consumers can make an informed choice about where they buy food or eat a meal based on the hygiene performance.

"By giving consumers information about hygiene standards, consumer choice can drive up food hygiene standards."

The move comes after the Information Commissioner ruled that food hygiene ratings should be made public in the wake of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

If approved, the "scores on the doors " scheme could be introduced in April.