A new application has been launched which promises to give users the hygiene ratings of local restaurants instantly.

The app, developed by the Food Standards Agency, rates outlets on a scale of zero (“urgent improvement necessary”) to five (“very good”), making it easy for restaurantgoers to see if owners are taking hygiene seriously.

“We are delighted to support this scheme which aims to improve food hygiene standards across the city,” said City of York councillor Dafydd Williams.

“The app makes it even easier for people to check hygiene ratings before deciding which place to visit.”

Diners are also encouraged to check for the distinctive green and black hygiene rating stickers.

The app is available from http://ratings.food.gov.uk/ for download via both iTunes and the Android market.