|
|
|
|
Restaurants - Those Posted Letters
Go to any public eating establishment and you'll eventually notice a big letter in blue hanging in plain sight. So, what do those postings mean?
In most counties, the health department is in charge of conducting inspections of the restaurants. It is important to note that the inspection process can vary from county to county, so check with your local health inspection agency for specifics.
You can call your county health office or check to see if inspection guidelines as well as local restaurant scores are posted online. Usually a restaurant begins with a score of 100 and points are deducted for various violations. There are a number of factors that are considered, over 100 in some places. Some of these violations include: presence of insects or rodents, improper food temperatures, unsanitary work spaces, and improper disposal methods of unsanitary foods.
|
The passing score is different depending on where you live. In some localities, you must score an 85 to pass. Others will pass restaurants with a score of 70 or above. It is important to look not only at whether or not the restaurant passed the inspection, but on the score that was received and the violations themselves. Dirty hand towels may be much less of a concern to you than a rodent infestation.
A restaurant is required to post the results of its latest health inspection. These results can be in different formats as well. For instance, California restaurants receive a letter-grade such as A, B, and C. Other areas post the actual numerical score. If you don't see an inspection rating posted, ask. Unless there are substantial violations, most restaurants will be given the opportunity to remain open while working to correct the issues found during the inspection.
Health departments don't have the manpower to "police" all food establishments. Restaurants are usually inspected routinely based on their size. Bigger restaurants might be visited three times a year and smaller establishments only once per year. Health departments will respond to complaints and visit more frequently based on the number of complaints. Although restaurants are not supposed to know when these inspections take place, they are often informed by other restaurant owners when an inspector is in the area. This advance knowledge can sometimes cause the ratings to be somewhat inaccurate.
The best rating for any individual is their own. If you don't feel a restaurant is sanitary, then don't chance eating there. Take precautions like checking silverware and glasses for cleanliness. Check to see if the employees are neat and tidy looking. Perhaps the best indication of a restaurant's cleanliness is the bathroom. Do some research of your own, and use the health department's ratings along with your own gut feeling to make your dining decisions.
|
|
|
