WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN EATING OUT

The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District staff can't be everywhere, in all food establishments, at all times. Conditions in the kitchens change and are not always the same from day to day or between inspections. Here are some suggestions to help you decide where you want to eat:

1. Ask to see the health inspection reports. The inspection report is provided to the person in charge at the end of the inspection. Many businesses post the report next to their permits.Review the entire inspection report, not just the score. A score is only an indicator of the conditions found at the time of inspection. However, the smaller the score the better. The inspection score is based on the total number of demerits received for only major violations. Reading all of the report is important. Additional comments on the report shows what conditions determined the score and if corrections are provided. Comments also explain minor conditions that do not receive demerit points.
2. In addition to the inspection report, what can the customer look for to see if it is safe to eat?

• Hot foods should be hot! Whether at the buffet line or served to your table, hot foods should be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If foods are served at room temperature or the food on the buffet line isn't hot enough to steam, you may want to pass it up.
• Cold foods should be cold! Foods that are required to be cold should be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
• Foods left out at room temperature can often grow harmful bacteria in as little as two hours. If foods are not at the right temperature, don't eat them.
• Take a look at your servers, wait staff, and the cook if you can see into the kitchen. Do they look clean, have clean hands, clean clothes? Do they handle your food, dishes, and utensils carefully? If not, you decide what to do next.
• Plates, glasses, and utensils should be clean and spotless. If they have food, residues, or fingerprints on them, the dishwasher and the person responsible for dishwashing is having problems. Ask for clean replacements.
• All foods, especially fruits and vegetables, should look and smell fresh. If not, it may indicate that the products are old or were not stored and prepared properly.
• See any flies, roaches, or rats? If so, you may want to leave. Besides seeing the pests, the pests indicate other problems.
• What is the general condition and cleanliness of the restaurant? You won't be eating off the floor, but if routine cleaning and maintenance of the dining room, self service areas, and restrooms is not obvious, this may indicate management and workers are not taking care of other important details, such as preparing your food safely. If you do have a problem, talk with the wait staff or the manager on duty. Usually they want to know and can correct the problem quickly. If they don't, or don't seem to care, you may reconsider eating at that food establishment in the future.