Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: November 7, 2007

Food Safety Inspections Available On-Line;
Establishments Invited to Enroll in Food Safety Award Program

Today, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) announced that all food safety inspections conducted since January 1, 2007 are now available to the public on its website at: http://www.health.ri.gov/environment/food/inspections.php. Consumers may search the on-line inspection database to view past inspections or create a personal account that allows them to select individual establishments for which they would like to receive future inspection reports (e.g. restaurants or school lunch programs). When inspections are conducted in the selected facilities, an email notification will be automatically sent with a link to the inspection report.

These on-line reports are launched in conjunction with a new food safety certification program, through which HEALTH will partner with NSF International to recognize restaurants and food service establishments that have the best food safety, workplace safety, and sanitation practices in place. NSF International is an independent, non-profit organization that develops best practices for food safety. 

To obtain the Dine Safer™ certification, establishments must submit a plan to NSF that addresses all Federal and State regulations as well as best practices in food safety. If NSF accepts the plan, their auditors will conduct on-site inspections to verify that the plan is implemented and followed. If so, the establishment will be issued a license to use the NSF Mark in conjunction with Dine Safer™ certification. Firms that achieve this level of food safety excellence may display the NSF Mark within the facility as well as on any printed materials such as menus, placards, packaging, promotions and advertising. NSF then conducts surveillance through regular, unannounced inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to the approved food safety plan. Restaurants, markets, and other food establishments can now enroll in the Dine Safer™ certification program at the above website. HEALTH will recognize on its website those places achieving certification.  For assistance in complying with the Dine Safer™ certification, food establishments can contact the Rhode Island Hospitality and Tourism Association at 223-1120.

These two new initiatives will provide important information to Rhode Island residents when deciding where to eat and purchase food. “People have a right to know what our inspectors find when they are out in the field,” said Director of Health, David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “Making inspection reports available on line will help us provide better customer service to the pubic. In addition, this new certification program provides an additional incentive for the food industry to continually provide the safest, highest quality food possible for consumers.”