RESTAURANT AND FOOD MARKET

INSPECTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Focus of Study

As the result of the recent disclosure on local television of an instance of bribery of an Environmental Health Inspector, plus the reported practice of re-packaging and re-dating of meats which exceeded original expiration dates, the Health and Human Services Committee decided to investigate the procedure by which restaurants and food markets are inspected and graded. To assess the need for an in-depth investigation of the inspection process, the Committee decided to accompany inspectors from the Department of Environmental Health Services (a division of the Los Angeles County Health Department) as they conducted their normal facility inspection visits. Based on this first-hand observation we felt that we would be in a better position to determine whether a more extensive audit would be appropriate.

Methodology

Committee members, in teams of two, requested and were welcomed on "Ride-Alongs" with Environmental Health Specialists to observe the procedure by which restaurants and food markets are inspected and graded. Five such "Ride-Alongs" were conducted with an inspector. Each Committee member participated in at least one inspection trip (two or three sites visited on each trip). Each "Ride-Along" was in a different district of the county. At the beginning of each inspection trip the Committee members were oriented to the process and the educational requirements necessary to qualify as an inspector. Each specialist appeared well qualified.

Findings

The cities that have rejected the adoption of L. A. County Ordinance 97-0071 are: Avalon, Baldwin Park, Hawthorne, La Habra Heights, Signal Hill, and South Pasadena. Three additional cities that are residential only have voted not to adopt the Ordinance as it is not applicable to them. They are: Bradbury, Hidden Hills, and Rolling Hills.

Recommendation

Conclusion

On the basis of the above findings, no further investigation of the Food Service Facility inspection process by the Grand Jury is indicated at this time.


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