Restaurants Forced to Display Cleanliness Ratings

The Department of Health will soon require NYC restaurants to prominently display their cleanliness ratings in windows or entryways, Mayor Bloomberg and State Senator Jeff "Dirty Dozen" Klein announced at a press conference Saturday. The changes which will alter the numbered DOH ratings to a letter-grade system, which has been used for years in LA. The new rules will be implemented over the next two years, and health commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden says he plans to hire 45 additional restaurant inspectors, adding to the current total of 140. Also, less sanitary restaurants will now be inspected more frequently. Of course, the restaurant industry is cool to the changes; a New York State Restaurant Association rep tells the Times, "a major objection we have is that an inspection is a snapshot, it reflects a condition on a particular day, but not necessarily a long-term condition."

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By John Del Signore in Food on February 2, 2009 10:17 AM

Comments [rss]

abcohen

yahhh now I can start cooking at home cause I have an A rating - cant wait to see what my favorite restaurants are rocking!

jackdonaghy

Until the new policy is implemented, this a must see site:

http://home2.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/rii/index.shtml

Unfortunately, you're likely to get turned off by some of your favorite restaurants.

Spirit of 76

"a major objection we have is that an inspection is a snapshot, it reflects a condition on a particular day, but not necessarily a long-term condition."

Easy solution. Force the restaurants to post the inspection ratings for the last three years. Then customers could see exactly whether the restaurant is improving, declining or holding steady.

NannyState

They should have to post the potential ill-effects of their food just like the pharmaceutical industry: "Patrons have reported nausea, vomiting, cramps, salmonella, hepaptitis A, and explosive diarrhrea. If you experience any of these side-effects, please see a lawyer."

moocowtoo

the AC ad not only takes over the whole page it directs people to it without even having clicked on it. Forced advertising, yea that will make me love you.

EricGewiz

so, we've become LA...

fugothamist

this AC advertisement taking over the whole page is...a bit much

thefacts

If you don't like the ad, cancel your subscription.

kane

It reflects a condition on a particular day, but not necessarily a long-term condition.

So on Wednesday we allow the rats to run wild in the food and prep areas, but on Thursday that doesn't happen, so why should we as a restaurant be punished for this?

Honestly, if the restaurants follow the rules everyday (like they should) they have nothing to worry about.