SEVENTY-THREE food premises in Oxford have been given top ratings under a new food hygiene scheme.

Scores on the Doors rates hygiene standards in restaurants, cafes, delis, school kitchens, takeaways and street traders’ food vans.

All eateries which achieve two stars or more will be given a certificate to display, as well as a sticker to put on their front door, but the businesses are not legally obliged to display the information.

The 73 five-star premises include the Malmaison Hotel, the Holiday Inn in Woodstock Road, a number of Oxford colleges, and the Mediterranean Fish Bar in Cherwell Drive, Marston.

There were 335 four-star premises, 233 with three stars, 159 with two, 38 with one – and 22 with none.

Mediterranean fish bar owner Kemar Koc said: “I’m pleased to get the five-star rating. Of course, good hygiene has always been important to us.”

Oxford City Council said further details on other top ranking premises – and those that got no stars – would not be available until Tuesday.

John Tanner, board member for a cleaner, greener city, said: “We want tourists, students and residents to check the Scores on the Doors before they choose where to eat.

“I’m sure that in these tough times all Oxford’s food businesses will continue to strive to be excellent. The handful who have got no stars will either have to improve or face legal action from the council.

“To be a world-class city, we need world-class restaurants of the very highest standards. Fortunately, from cosmopolitan Cowley Road to Oxford Castle and lots more, we have some excellent places to eat.”

Last week, it emerged the Oisi Master Sushi Bar, in St Clement’s Street, was closed on May 22 after two cases of food poisoning were linked to the restaurant.

Scores on the Doors is being launched across the county with Cherwell District Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council also taking part.

Food businesses scores will be based on the results of inspections carried out by council environmental health officers.

The councils say they will work with lower-rated establishments to help them improve their compliance with food safety regulations.

But a city council spokes-man said enforcement action would be taken against establishments that failed to comply with regulations and were considered a risk to health.

The councils in Oxfordshire are among 100 taking part in the scheme across the UK.