Last April 19, New York bars and restaurants opened at 75% capacity up to midnight, while serving of take-out alcoholic drinks will continue only until May 6. Citizens and visitors in Westchester now have more dining options to in the county.

In Westchester county, everyone is assured that the county’s health department regularly inspects all eateries, restaurants and cafes to make certain that meals are being handled, prepared and cooked safely. The Westchester Health Dept. wants everyone to feel safe whether dining out at a Westchester restaurant, or grabbing a quick meal from a fast food chain or food truck. The health department’s inspection routines also cover school cafeterias.

In Westchester County, all chain restaurants are required to count calories and post them as part of information included in menus and menu boards. In addition, all restaurants must also post an allergy notice to remind customers to inform the owner, manager, chef or server about any food allergy they have. The posting of calorie counts and allergy notification will enable diners make the best informed decisions when dining in a restaurant.

What Do Westchester Health Inspectors Look Into?

In every inspection visit, health inspectors check if employees regularly wash their hands and utensils in a sink that has soap, hot water and paper towels. Inspectors also make sure utensils and surfaces that come in contact with raw meat are not used to prepare ready-to-eat foods. They also see to it that food items are kept in proper food storages at the appropriate temperature. Moreover, they also make sure there are no rodents and other pests in an establishment. .

Inspection Reports Can be Viewed Online

Health inspection reports can be viewed online at the New York State Department of Health website. Here, anyone can check if the inspector found critical and non-critical violations being committed by a specific Westchester food establishment.

Critical Violations are violations that relate directly to factors that can lead to food borne illness.

Non-Critical Violations are violations involving food service operations maintenance and cleanliness.