Health Department Ponders New Restaurant Inspections

A Western Kentucky health board is considering a new policy that would require restaurants to prominently post a letter grade corresponding to their department inspection scores. 

The proposed regulation by the Green River District Board of Health will not change of alter the state food code under which restaurants already operate.  If the regulation is approved, it will go into effect in October. 

The district's environmental director, Clay Horton, told the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer the new process is aimed at helping the board communicate with the public in an understandable format.  The letter grade will be issued on an 8-inch by 11-inch placard and establishments must display it in a place easily seen at the front of the location. 

The health department would use an A, B, C grading system.