What if I want to contest a letter grade in the new system?

Initially, we will only give out grades if you get an “A.” If you score lower, you will get two or three weeks to fix your violations and then will have another unscheduled re-inspection. There is no reason you shouldn't be able to get an “A” since you will know the violations cited in the original report.

At that point, we will hand out a letter grade card and a ‘Grade Pending’ card, either of which may be posted until you have had a chance to be heard by the administrative tribunal. But if the tribunal finds against you, or you don't show up at the hearing, you must post the original grade.

Won't you need more staff to monitor the grade postings?

We already have a separate staff to make sure operating permits are present, and they will also monitor the grade postings. I think there will be plenty of members of the public who will be checking to ensure that posted grades match the scores on our website.

Do you believe this program will influence how other cities look at the way food safety inspections should be managed?

I think all of our efforts to improve public health in New York City attract a significant amount of attention, both nationally and internationally, and that if our experience leads to stronger public health initiatives in other places, that is a good thing.

For more information on the NYC grading system, go to www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml