Cornwall Ontario — The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) is rolling out the next phase of its restaurant inspection disclosure system, with the aim of making it easier for residents to make informed decisions when eating out.

To increase the visibility of inspection reports, the EOHU has started distributing coloured signs to restaurants for public display. The coloured signs indicate at a glance whether a food premises has received a “Pass” (green sign), “Conditional Pass” (yellow sign) or “Closed” (red sign) inspection report. The new signage system is being rolled out starting with premises that prepare, process or handle food, and will progressively expand to all food premises.

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health at the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, is pleased that the EOHU is implementing the new signage system. “Proper food handling and storage, good staff hygiene, and clean premises and equipment are key to protecting diners from foodborne illness,” he explains. “The signs will also be good business for food premises receiving and posting the green PASS signs, since customers prefer to eat somewhere that provides a pleasant and safe eating experience.”

At every inspection of a food establishment, a Public Health Inspector will issue a green, yellow or red sign. Once a sign is issued, the operator is asked to post it immediately at or near the main public entrance to the establishment so that it’s clearly visible to the public, until another inspection is conducted and a new sign provided.