Food Establishment Inspections Available Online

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 29, 2010

LAS VEGAS – With just the click of a mouse the public now has access to one of the most requested types of public record maintained by the Southern Nevada Health District – food establishment inspections. The launch of this new feature allows the public to view health inspections for all permitted food establishments in Clark County and is available at www.SNHD.info. Information provided on the site includes inspection reports for all food establishments with active health district permits and archived reports as far back as 2005.

These records provide a snapshot of the day and time of the inspection and new reports are posted within five business days of when they are completed. Food establishments are inspected annually or more often if it is deemed necessary. Risk factors that have the potential to contribute to foodborne illness are more heavily weighted in the inspection demerit process than items related to design, maintenance or general sanitation. Inspection findings can result in an “A” grade, a downgrade to a “B” or “C” status, or for an extremely excessive number of violations or an uncontrolled imminent health hazard, a facility closure.

“Southern Nevada boasts some of the finest food establishments in the country and the local industry as a whole has been an industry leader with respect to innovative food preparation techniques and dedication to food safety,” said Dr. Lawrence Sands, chief health officer for the health district.

“This new feature provides a valuable and in demand service for the public as well as demonstrates the ongoing commitment of both the health district and the local food industry to ensuring food safety for all Clark County residents and visitors,” said Sands.

The new section of the health district website also includes updated information about the food establishment inspection program as well as a tool for the public to provide feedback for improving the site. Full copies of inspection reports may still be obtained for a fee by submitting a public records request available at: www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/records-request/recordrequest.php.

Updated information about the Southern Nevada Health District can be found on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict, on YouTube www.youtube.com/SNHealthDistrict or Twitter www.twitter.com/SNHDinfo.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.