In a significant step towards enhancing public health and safety, the Fishers Health Department has unveiled a Retail Food Inspection Grading System for local restaurants. Positioned as the second municipality in the state to implement this groundbreaking protocol, the new system underscores the department’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its residents.
Having secured the approval of the Fishers City Council in November 2022, the system has been brought to life during the course of the 2023 food inspections. As part of this transformative approach, restaurants are now assigned a letter grade based on a meticulous 100-point scale, providing patrons with clear insights into the establishments’ adherence to food safety regulations. The grades are readily accessible to the public via an interactive dashboard located at this link.
In an effort to bolster transparency and foster awareness, beginning this September, these grades will also be prominently displayed on the exterior doors of all dining establishments across Fishers. The mandate stipulates that these information labels be exhibited no later than September 30, 2023.
“Although a popular program in cities around the United States, this is not something that Indiana residents are used to seeing as they enter their favorite restaurant,” said Monica Heltz, Fishers Public Health Director. “We hope to lead the charge in improving food safety standards in Central Indiana. Food grades are an evidenced-based strategy to achieve this aim. The health and safety of our residents is our top priority, and we are dedicated to partnering with our local restaurants to ensure they are successful under this new model.”
Emphasizing continuity and accountability, fresh grades will be assigned annually during the course of routine inspections. This system signals a significant stride in maintaining the high standards that Fishers residents have come to expect from their local dining establishments. For a more comprehensive understanding of the grading framework and to explore the user-friendly online dashboard, interested individuals are encouraged to visit this link.