FOOD hygiene standards in North Dorset have been rated as the fourth best in the UK.

A study carried out by consumers' association Which? found the local authority's area maintained some of the highest standards across its businesses with regards to food safety and hygiene.

However, the group warns that Brexit could deliver a blow to standards. It states the Government, which is under pressure to safeguard current food standards, will need to step up checks on imports and potentially look to negotiate trade deals with countries with lower food standards.

According to Which? there was one food hygiene enforcement officer per 403 food businesses amid a rising amount of complaints about hygiene and quality in 2016/17.

There has also been a 5.5 per cent rise in the number of food premises yet to be rated compared with two years previously. This means that in 2016/17, 1,697 more businesses were reportedly running without a food hygiene rating compared to 2014/15.

Alex Neill, of Which?, said: "When it comes to food, British consumers expect the very best standards for themselves and their families.

"But our enforcement regime is under huge strain, just as Brexit threatens to add to the responsibilities of struggling local authorities.

"Effective food enforcement must be a government priority, including robust checks on imports as well as co-operation with the EU and other countries on food risks."