Public health unit helping restaurants prepare for Check Before You Choose
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPU) is preparing for the posting of restaurant inspections on its website. The new program, called “Check Before You Choose,” launches in January 2013.
This fall, public health inspectors are visiting food establishments to provide operators with information about safe food handling and the online reporting system.
As part of this visit, WDGPU will be distributing the Check Before You Choose operator information guide.
This guide, which is also available at www.wdgpublichealth.ca, contains details about the information that will be posted on the website, as well as details about inspections and safe food handling.
On the public health website, the public will be able to see restaurant infractions categorized as either critical or non-critical based on their potential to cause food-borne illness.
“Our community will be able to make an informed decision about where they dine,” public health officials state.
The results of restaurant inspections reflect the observations made on the date of the report and will not guarantee the conditions of the food establishment at all times. WDGPU always closes an inspected premise if it has been categorized as unsafe for the public.
“The launch of the Check Before You Choose website in January is part of our commitment to protecting the public from food-borne illness,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of WDGPU. “We also offer courses for food handlers about safe food preparation, handling, and storage.”
Shawn Zentner, manager of health protection said, “We have consulted with other health units, food operators, and the public to create an informative and easy-to-use online reporting system.
Food establishments will be able to voluntarily post a sign that will direct patrons to the Check Before You Choose inspection results on the WDG Public Health website.
