Almost a quarter of Merton's eateries have been given either poor or very poor food hygiene ratings.

The Scores on the Doors rating scheme, supported by the Food Standards Agency, covers restaurants, cafés, fast-food outlets and even supermarkets.

Of the 539 establishments rated in Merton this year, 94 were given a one-star or "poor" rating and 31 were given a no star or "very poor" rating, making a total of 125.

The rating ranges from no stars for the worst levels of compliance, through to five stars for the very best standards of food safety management. A two star rating is defined as largely compliant with national requirements.

Merton eateries with no stars include Burger King in the Broadway, the Spar convenience stores in Morden and Raynes Park, London Scottish Golf Club in Wimbledon, Cannizaro House Hotel, Wimbledon Common and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Morden.

The council's civic centre was one of only 12 establishments to achieve a five-star rating. Environmental health departments in local authorities carry out regular checks on all food premises to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Restaurants that fail to meet the standard are advised on how to improve their food handling practices and are told they could be subject to enforcement action.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Diane Mills, said: "We are delighted consumers will be able to exercise choice about where to eat in Merton based not only on the menu but also on how thorough the restaurants are in maintaining hygiene.

"The ratings recognise those businesses which work hard to maintain good standards."

Scores apply to the time of the last inspection only and may not represent current conditions at the business.

What the businesses said:

Cannizaro House Hotel

Jeff Ward, general manager of Cannizaro House Hotel, said: "We are the only four-star hotel in the area and have two rosettes from the AA.

"I was shocked by the rating.

"We have spent £20,000 on the kitchen since then and will be inviting the inspectors back to reassess us now."

Cannizaro House, 20 West Side Common, Wimbledon, SW19

London Scottish Golf Club

Steve Barr, Secretary of London Scottish Golf Club, said: "We think the rating was unfair because we were in the process of changing our steward and caterers.

"We are very confident we will get a much better rating next time."

London Scottish Golf Club, Windmill Road, Wimbledon SW19

Burger King

A Burger King spokesman said: "We take all the reviews from Scores on the Doors extremely seriously and after the visit at the start of the year, a review of procedures at the restaurant has taken place.

"As a result of this review, a programme of re-training for all staff has been put in place."

Burger King, 1-3 Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19

Ahmadiyya Muslim Association

Dr Basharat Nazir from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association said: "We would cater for thousands at a time and then the kitchen wouldn't be used, so we didn't need the same facilities that the assessors might be looking for. Even so, we aren't satisfied with the kitchen, and we will be refurbishing." Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, 181 London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5PT