Food Establishment Inspection Scores for 2008 - 2009

What does the inspection score mean?

The smaller the score the better. The inspection score is based on the total number of demerits received for violations identified during the inspection.

Demerits are given only to those violations most critical to food safety. The inspection report is risk-based with 27 specific items. The report specifically targets factors most related to preventing food borne illness. Violations receive demerit points ranging from three to five points for each violation. Other minor violations may exist but are not assigned demerit points.

Corrections of violations may be accomplished during the inspection or within a specified time frame. Follow-up inspections are provided as needed to ensure violations are corrected. The demerit score will not reflect if corrections were made during the inspection.

Since scores range from 0-100 with the lower score being better, it should be noted that any establishment receiving more than 30 demerits will automatically receive more stringent corrective actions including additional inspections and possible temporary closure. Establishments may request follow up inspections to improve their score if their previous inspection score was greater than 20.

A score is only an indicator of the conditions found at the time of inspection. It is not to be the sole criteria to determine if it is okay to eat at a particular establishment. The score does not reflect consumer expectations such as a "0" score meaning absolutely perfect conditions.

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