“A restaurant’s health inspection rating is more than just a grade—it reflects the establishment’s commitment to customer safety and sanitary practices,” says personal injury attorney Andrew S. Kryder, Esq.
A “B” rating typically indicates that while the restaurant meets minimum health and safety requirements, violations or issues were identified during the inspection that need improvement. These grades are vital for protecting the public from potential health risks, such as foodborne illnesses, that can arise from poor hygiene or improper food handling practices.
What Does It Mean?
So, what does a “B” rating mean for your neighborhood restaurant and its customers? Here are some key points to keep in mind:
The violations are not severe enough to warrant closure.
Health departments have strict guidelines on when they will shut down a restaurant due to health concerns. The fact that the establishment received a “B” rating means that the issues identified during the inspection did not pose an immediate threat to public health.
There were still violations or issues found during the inspection.
While a “B” rating may not indicate any major health hazards, it does mean that there were likely some infractions noted during the inspection. These can range from minor cleanliness concerns to more serious food handling or storage violations.
The restaurant is required to correct any noted violations.
A “B” rating means that the health department has given the restaurant a set period of time to address and correct any identified issues. Failure to do so can result in further consequences, such as fines or even closure of the establishment.
The restaurant may have ongoing monitoring and follow-up inspections.
Depending on the severity of the violations, the health department may require regular follow-up inspections to ensure that the issues have been resolved and that proper procedures are being followed. This helps ensure that customers are not exposed to potential health risks.
It’s important to take note of specific violations listed in the report.
Many health departments make inspection reports available to the public, which can provide more detailed information on the specific issues found during the inspection. This can help customers make informed decisions about dining at a particular establishment.
The restaurant likely has plans to improve their rating.
A “B” rating may be a wake-up call for some establishments to take a closer look at their hygiene and safety practices and make necessary changes. In fact, many restaurants will display their improved ratings proudly once they have addressed the identified issues.
Should I Stop Eating at a Restaurant with a “B” Rating?
It comes down to personal preference, but a “B” rating doesn’t necessarily mean the restaurant is unsanitary or unsafe. It simply means some issues were found during the inspection that need improvement. If you’re concerned, you can speak with the manager or owner to ask about their plans to address the issues and improve the rating.
What If I Get Sick After Eating There?
However, if you do experience any negative health effects after dining at a restaurant with a lower rating, it’s important to seek medical attention and report your experience to the appropriate health department. This can help prevent others from potentially getting sick.
The Key Takeaway
Health inspection ratings are an important tool for protecting public health, but they should only serve as one factor in your decision to dine at a particular restaurant. By staying informed and aware, you can make the best choices for your safety and well-being while supporting local businesses. Happy dining!