South Kesteven District Council is campaigining for its system to be adapted nationally as the Food Standards Agency looks to introduce a standard system.

The council is in the forefront of a national campaign to have the five-star 'scores on the doors' standard adopted as a national standard.

But the Food Standards Agency is consulting on a proposal for a national scheme for local authorities where the main options are a three-star assessment and a simple pass or fail option.

A spokesman for South Kesteven District Council said: "Local authorities, food businesses and many expert groups fear that the Food Standards Agency is bowing to pressure from the big retailers and food producers to stop their food hygiene standards being open to public scrutiny."

The five-star scheme is used by about 85 per cent of the local authorities who operate scoring schemes and has strong support from the public, businesses and local authorities. It has been endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Officers and other Government agencies.

Patricia Middleton, owner of the five-star rated Bunters takeaway in South Street, Bourne, said: "I think any scheme based on a simple pass or fail is crazy. I'm incredibly proud of our five stars. If the Food Standards Agency was to downgrade to a three-star system, our customers would wonder why we had lost two stars," she said.

Sharon Trevor, owner of Jim's Yard restaurant in Ironmonger Street, Stamford, said: "I would be very concerned if the scheme changed to a three star scale - what would my customers think if they saw my five-star certificate converted to three stars overnight? They would assume something had gone badly wrong."

The consultation on a national scheme ends on August 15. Details are available at www.food.gov.uk