Inspectors Work To Prevent Restaurant Troubles

CLICK HERE to search for restaurant inspection reports.

Food borne infections kill 5,200 people each year across the country.  And, they make 76 million people sick.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports steps are taken to make sure the food you get at restaurants is safe.

Some 30,000 people get their food handlers permits from the Tulsa County Health Department each year.  Health workers say the information they learn is critically important.

"The one thing that most food items have in common is that physical touch during the preparation process.  And, bacteria can be spread so easily," said Debbie Watts with the Tulsa Health Department.

In Tulsa County, restaurants are inspected one to four times each year, based on their potential risk.  Inspectors can shut a restaurant down immediately if there is an imminent health hazard, but it is rare.

"We try and work with the establishment, provide training, provide in-service, have them come into our office in a situation away from the facility.  We can help them develop a plan for getting back on track," said Debbie Watts with the Tulsa Health Department.

Restaurants get a pass/fail grade.  All critical violations must be corrected within 24 hours.

Consumers can get the results of inspections online.  On the state's page, you can select a county and then type in the name of the restaurant.  The highlighted ones are violations that directly relate to causes of food-borne illnesses.  The Tulsa County Health Department also has a site to get inspection results.  Plus, there's also a form to make complaints.

Health workers say the bottom line is food safety is very serious.

"It all can be very dangerous.  Our food supply.  You just need to be aware of you hygiene, your cooking temperatures, and keeping it safe, not just once again in a facility, but also at home as well," said Debbie Watts with the Tulsa Health Department. 

Restaurants can be closed if they don't meet safety guidelines.  They can also be ticketed from $150 to $500 per offense.