In July 2010, the health department began requiring restaurants and bars to post the results of cleanliness inspections. Signs with the grades A, B or C in blue ink are ubiquitous around town. Although most concession stands on and off Broadway serve pre-packaged food, food-borne illness can occur through multiple avenues — water, ice, cups, sinks, personal contact with food and utensils. "We have rules for sanitation, for ice, for temperature, things like that," Susan Craig, a spokeswoman for the health department told Variety, which reported that the department checks more than 20,000 establishments for evidence of vermin, cleanliness of equipment and personal hygiene of staff.
An inspection score of 0-13 is an A, 14-27 points is a B, and 28 or more points is a C.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offers results of restaurant inspections on its website.
