Eight local eateries and shops have been given five-star food hygiene ratings since the start of April by the Food Standards Agency.

Working in partnership with local authorities, the FSA scheme gives businesses a rating from zero to five.

A five-star review means the venue's hygiene standards are very good and fully comply with the law.

To get the top rating, businesses must do well in all three elements of an inspection.

This includes how hygienically the food is handled, the physical condition of the business and how the business manages ways of keeping food safe through training and processes.

If the top rating is not given, the inspection officer will explain to the business what needs to change.

In the two months, four local businesses have received the highest hygiene ratings.

The businesses are:

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1. BB's Bar
2. Chicken George
3. Fabio's Gelato
4. Halsey's Deli & Eatery
5. Little Monkey
6. North Hertfordshire Museum Café
7. Sam's Pizza
8. The Chocolatier Ltd

Local councils decide how regularly local businesses are inspected with gaps between visits varying from six months to over two years.

Those that "pose a higher risk" to public health are inspected more frequently.