▼

Restaurant Scores

Show All Answers

1. How are restaurants scored?

Each food facility is inspected and scored on a demerit/point system based on the type of violation the inspector witnesses. Each violation is reported as a "critical" or "non-critical" violation. Inspection scores can range from 0 to 100 demerits.

• 0 demerits = perfect score
• 10 demerits = meets expectation and no critical violations
• 15 demerits = satisfactory inspection score with no critical violations
• 25 demerits = requires a re-inspection of the establishment
• 30 demerits or more = indicates serious conditions

State law indicates that when total demerits exceed 30, "the establishment shall initiate immediate corrective action on all identified critical violations, and shall initiate corrective action on all other violations within 48 hours." Depending on the severity of the violations, immediate closure may be warranted.

2. How often are inspections done?

Each permitted food establishment is given a "priority classification" based on the type of foods served and the population or age group that the food is being served to.

• Low Priority (inspected 1-2 times per year minimum): A food establishment that sells only prepackaged foods; prepares and/or serves only beverages or foods with minimal handling. This may include some convenience stores or commissaries.

• Medium Priority (inspected 2-3 times per year minimum): A food establishment that prepares, serves, or sells foods from precooked ingredients with limited handling. Examples include as a retail grocery store, sandwich shop, seasonal fast food, produce market, ice cream shop, bakery or candy store.

• High Priority (inspected 3-4 times per year minimum): A food establishment that prepares or sells foods from raw meats or seafood, extensively handles foods, and serves a highly susceptible population. Examples include a full service restaurant, fast food restaurant, seafood market, fresh meat market, delicatessen, caterer, hospital food service, or nursing home food service.

3. My favorite restaurant is not listed. Why?

If a restaurant is not listed, that means it was not inspected during the past month. Please check back monthly to see the latest inspection scores. Click the green Notify Me button on the left side of the page to sign up to receive email or text notifications when new scores are posted.

4. What is the difference between a Non-Critical and Critical Violation?

Critical Violations are violations that need to be addressed immediately such as foods not being stored, cooked, or held at their appropriate hot/cold temperature or problems with personal hygiene and other employee activities.

Non-Critical Violations may be related to the building or physical condition of the building or the facility's equipment. These types of violations do not warrant immediate attention or pose any immediate health and/or safety concern.