DISCERNING diners can discover how hygienic their favourite eateries are - with their phones - under a new scheme launched this week.

Using a clever new app, available to those with iphones, people can simply point their handsets at an eatery to discover its star-rating.

The technology is part of Havering Council’s Scores on The Doors scheme, where every food premises in the borough is a given a hygiene rating from no stars to five stars.

Those without the app can simply check scores online by visiting: www.havering.gov.uk and www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk

There are around 1,500 food outlets in the borough and the project aims to give consumers a more informed choice while encouraging businesses to improve standards.

Cllr Lesley Kelly, cabinet member for public protection, said: “This scheme is a good thing for consumers and businesses. It gives consumers a more informed choice about where to eat and premises with the highest hygiene ratings will be able to advertise the fact which will be good for business.”

The scheme uses information that the council already gathers during routine inspections.

Following an inspection, a certificate and sticker is sent to the food business so they can advertise their hygiene rating.

The Re:creation Caf� at the Salvation Army centre in Romford High Street is one of 56 premises with a five-star hygiene rating.

Major Sarah Evans said: “We are delighted to hear that the Re:creation cafe has been recognised by Havering Council.

“It is staffed entirely by volunteers, and the manager, Fiona Starling, and her team are to be congratulated. Since it first opened two years ago the cafe has attracted a loyal clientele who love the excellent fare on offer, and we hope that the five-star hygiene rating will attract yet more customers to enjoy the home-baked food.”