Restaurant inspections for Washtenaw County

in [Month, Year]

By Washtenaw County Public Health
The Washtenaw County Public Health Department's Environmental Health Division is
responsible for inspecting all food service establishment operations in Washtenaw County.
These food service establishments are regulated under the State of Michigan's Food Law and
Michigan Modified Food Code.
What do the violations in the reports mean?
The laws governing food service changed significantly on October 1, 2012. The most noticeable
change was in the terminology used for violations in restaurant inspections. Previously,
violations were Critical or Non-Critical, but now they are categorized as Priority, Priority
Foundation or Core.
Priority violations are the most serious. Correcting these eliminates or reduces a problem
directly associated with foodborne illness. Examples include improper food temperatures
and lack of hand washing. Priority violations were previously called Critical violations.
Priority Foundation violations are problems that can lead to a Priority violation. Correcting
these problems may keep Priority violations from occurring. Examples include not having an
appropriate food thermometer, not having sanitizer test strips and not having soap or paper
towel at a hand sink. The Priority Foundation category is made up of violations that were
previously called Critical or Non-Critical Violations.
Core violations are related to general sanitation and facility maintenance. Examples include
dirty floors and improper facility lighting. Core violations were previously called Non-Critical
violations.
Priority and Priority Foundation violations must be corrected immediately at the time of
inspection or within 10 days. Core violations must be corrected within 90 days of the
inspection.
Where can I see the inspection results?
Washtenaw County Public Health posts restaurant inspections monthly on Ann Arbor.com. The
inspections posted were completed the month prior (i.e. January inspections are posted in
February).
You can also search the online database of all restaurant inspections and detailed reports.
Click here for access to all Washtenaw County restaurant inspections!
How frequent are inspections?
Routine inspections take place twice per year (or once per year if the business is only open
seasonally). Routine inspections are typically unannounced. However, when there are changes
to the Food Code or Food Law, like those that took place Oct. 1, 2012, the first routine
inspection is scheduled. Key restaurant staff must be present so the Sanitarian can explain how
the changes impact the establishments operations. The number of violations observed often
decreases when inspections are announced. This may explain why the inspections appeared
somewhat better than usual from October 2012 through March 2013.
Each inspection is a snapshot in time, and conditions found at the restaurant are not necessarily
the conditions that could be found in the restaurant at other times. Sanitarians (otherwise
known as health inspectors) ask many questions about the menu, operations and procedures to
get the best possible idea of the day-to-day conditions of the restaurant. Environmental Health
conducts additional inspections if a foodborne illness or other complaint is reported.
What if I have a complaint?
Environmental Health responds to general restaurant complaints as well as foodborne illness
complaints. Please call our office at 734-222-3800 to file a complaint or to report a suspected
foodborne illness.
Washtenaw County Public Health promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in
our community. Visit us online at http://publichealth.ewashtenaw.org.