COUNTY RESTAURANT GRADING SYSTEM CONTINUES TO SERVES AS ROLE MODEL FOR THE NATION

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

Contact:  Tony Bell, Communications Deputy    Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich Office:  (213) 974-5555   Cell: (213) 215-5176    E-mail:  tbell@bos.lacounty.gov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 10, 2009                                                                                                    For Immediate Release

 

COUNTY RESTAURANT GRADING SYSTEM CONTINUES TO

SERVES AS ROLE MODEL FOR THE NATION

 

New York City Passes Ordinance to Require Grade Posting

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Restaurant Grading System continues to serves as a role model for the nation, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, following the City of New York’s adoption of a restaurant grading system closely modeled after the County’s.

 

Initiated by Supervisor Antonovich in 1997, the County’s Restaurant Food Grading provides consumers with vital information to make informed choices on the food establishments they choose to patronize.

 

The Journal of Environmental Health has found a 13% decrease in food borne disease hospitalizations in Los Angeles County as a result of the program.

 

In 2006-2007, 83% of all County restaurants received a letter “A” grade, up 40% since the launch of the program a decade ago.  Additionally, an October 2007 survey by the Department of Public Health revealed that 91% of County residents like the restaurant grading system, and 65% of residents say they are influenced by the letter grades.

 

The Department of Public Health’s Environmental Health Division inspects 38,457 retail food facilities, 25,054 restaurants, 12,382 food markets, and 21 retail food processors in 77 cities in Los Angeles County each year.

 

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