White Co. Health Dept. implements new restaurant inspection rules

CLEVELAND - The White County Health Department has announced new rules and regulations for food service that took effect December 1, 2007. <br /> <br /> Restaurants will now be given a letter grade that coincides with a percentile score. For instance, "A" represents a score between 90 and 100. "B" (80-89), "C" (70-79), "U" 69 and below.<br /> <br /> Inspections will be conducted based on risk categorization. The risk type shall be determined by the menu items served, the food preparation process performed and the previous food safety history in the restaurant.<br /> <br /> Risk Type I-Frequency of inspection will be one time per year for establishments that do not cook any foods. This includes establishments that may reheat commercially precooked ingredients or foods, such as hot dogs and sausages.<br /> <br /> Risk Type II-Frequency of inspection will be two times per year for establishments that cook and/or hold and reheat foods that are prepared on-site.<br /> <br /> Risk Type III-Frequency of inspection will be three times per year for establishments that have a required and approved HACCP plan. One of these inspections will be a scheduled inspection to meet with the Certified Food Safety Manager.<br /> <br /> A new restaurant that has never served food must score a 100 (A) to receive a food service permit to operate. When a restaurant changes ownership, a new food service permit must be issued.<br /> <br /> To be issued a food service permit for a change of ownership, the establishment must score a 95 (A) or above with all Foodborne Illness Risk factors and Public Health Interventions in compliance.<br /> <br /> Permits must be posted in public view at all times. Restaurants with drive-through windows will also be required to have the top one-third of a copy of the most current inspection report visible through each window, allowing customers to easily read the score, date of inspection and establishment information in addition to the copy posted inside the establishment.<br /> <br /> Copies of the new rules are available at the White County Environmental Health Office. The rules and regulations are also available online at www.health.state.ga.us/programs/envservices/index.asp.

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