EVERETT, Wash. — Starting this month, diners in Snohomish County can find out exactly how clean a restaurant is just by logging onto the health district’s website.
A new online system allows users to access more than 5,000 safety inspection records for every restaurant in the city.
And the records date back to the summer of 2016.
“It’s one thing to find a problem. It’s another thing for them to correct it and not happen again,” says Kevin Plemel, environmental health director at the Snohomish County Health District.
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The district said it conducted more than 500 re-inspections at dining establishments this year due to violations ranging from food temperature control to improper handwashing.
Three businesses were temporarily shut down.
KIRO 7 asked the health district if they had considered an emoji rating system like the one in King County, which uses facial expressions to grade restaurant safety.
Not at this time, Plemel said.
“I think by going online, the public can see the history and decide for yourself. If you see a grade that may not be as important as history or facility,” Plemel said.
The district says a rating system like King County’s would also require more inspectors to update signs so right now, they are also relying on diners’ input.
The online system will allow the public to file complaints about certain business, putting in their names, addresses and even pictures.
On the site, you can also find inspection records on other businesses such as grocery stores, public pools and spas.
The health district says this system will also allow businesses to file applications and permits online.
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