Report: State's restaurant ratings may be too lenient

ATLANTA - A recent audit shows the Georgia Department of Human Resources needs to change the way it rates the cleanliness of restaurants because the current system is too lenient. <br> <br> The average inspection score was 94.5 for the 7,431 restaurants surveyed in 18 counties across the state. <br> <br> The survey also indicated that county health departments were not using a standard inspection form and were not re-inspecting violators with the same frequency. <br> <br> The report also was critical of the inspection form issued by the DHR and used by most counties. The audit said the system allows restaurants to be cited for significant deficiencies and still receive an above-average score. <br> <br> The report was compiled by the state Department of Audits and Accounts. <br> <br> The report said the average restaurant inspection score is so high that it may affect consumers&#39; ability to distinguish between &#39;good&#39; and &#39;bad&#39; restaurants. <br> <br> The form allows inspectors to score restaurants from zero to 100, but few received scores lower than 70 and most received a perfect 100.