Inspections ensure healthy dining out

Recently, Carson City has seen several new restaurants open in our community. Places like Sassafras, Thai Thai, and Olive Garden mean new dining options for Carson City residents, but how do you know if the food served at these establishments is safe to eat?

The Health Department Environmental Health Specialists are out and about in our community every day, inspecting not only new food establishments, but also some of the old stand-bys in the community. The food safety experts from the health department also inspect and issue food permits to temporary food vendors at special events, like those at the farmers market held downtown every Saturday. These health department employees are passionate about food safety, and they work hard to make sure all restaurants and bars in Carson City are running a tight ship.

When a health inspector visits a restaurant, there are many things that they look for. From the temperature of the fridge to proper food storage and cooking practices, they are on the lookout for violations that could present a risk to the health of the public. They also make sure a certified food handler is on the premises.

When a violation is found, the restaurant owner or manager is made aware of it, and in some cases, the health inspector will return to make sure that the problem is taken care of.

There are more than 400 separate food establishments that must be inspected in Carson City, including bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores. Many of these have to be inspected three or four times each year. In addition, the very busy environmental health specialists inspect hotels and motels, pools, sewers and septic systems, schools and daycares, and tattoo and piercing studios.

Carson City Health and Human Services is pleased to be responsible for ensuring the town is healthy. Dustin Boothe, Environmental Health program manager says "Working with the food service industry to make sure food is handled appropriately helps us have a healthy community. Customer safety and satisfaction are always at the forefront of our health inspections."

If you are curious about the inspection scores of your favorite Carson City eatery, the inspection reports are published weekly here in the Nevada Appeal.

For more information about Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.