food

Restaurant Grading: The Variance in Restaurant Inspection Scores

NEHA is excited to announce a new project studying the variance in restaurant inspection scores. Food safety in restaurants is a popular topic discussed among environmental health food safety experts. To learn more about this project, opportunities for collaboration and involvement from health departments, we invite you to explore our page.

graphic of handshake with text 'we invite health departments to collaborate with us on this project'

Kaylan Celestin is a Public Health Associate for the Centers for Disease Control. She is assigned to work at the National Environmental Health Association. Kaylan is working with Dr. Harlan Stueven, executive director and founder of Dining Safety Alliance. NEHA has a partnership with Dining Safety Alliance to study the variance in restaurant inspection scores. NEHA's partnering with Dining Safety Alliance to understand where and why there is variation in restaurant inspection scores across jurisdictions. There are partner organizations working in this topic area as well, including, City Health and University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Disclaimer: NEHA recognizes that restaurant grading isn't necessarily utilized across the U.S. Yet, it is reported that Restaurants in the United States are regularly inspected by health departments, but few data exist regarding the effect of restaurant inspections on food safety (1). By studying the variance in restaurant inspection scores across jurisdictions, it will unveil the need for uniformity and awareness of the implications to the public's health. 

Share your views on Restaurant Inspection Scoring

We are in the foundational phase of this project and are looking for your expertise.  Your feedback is valuable in making this project a success! 

Please complete this 5-minute online form:

Share your Views

Infographic: Impact of Foodborne Illnesses at Restaurants

Provided by Dining Safety Alliance 

Infographic by Dining Safety Alliance

Click on image to view full sized infographic.
 

Additional Resources to Explore​

Questions?

Please contact Kaylan Celestin, Project Specialist, if you have further questions at kcelestin@neha.org.  

EH Topics: 
Food Safety

  • "The phrase “it must have been something I ate” is usually said with a smile and a chuckle, but the reality is that food poisoning is a serious problem. There are tens of thousands of food borne illnesses and several thousand deaths among restaurant guests every year."
    - Dining Safety Alliance
  • "Policies requiring food establishments to publicly post safety inspection “grades” empower consumers, reduce foodborne illness rates, and cut down on health care costs."
    - City Health