Hot weather and dangerous rivers make safety a top concern

May 26, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

After the long and rainy winter, we know many of you are itching to spend some time outside, in and on the water, soaking up some rays (with at least SPF 15 on, of course). But, before jumping in, know the risks. The weather is warming up, but our area’s lakes, rivers and open water […]

Looking for restaurant ratings online? We have a new search tool!

April 19, 2017.Reading time 8 minutes.

Full inspection histories of all King County restaurants have been available online since 2001. For the past 16 years, inspection results could be searched on a website that, we admit, was starting to show its age. That’s why we partnered with King County Information Technology (KCIT) to create a restaurant inspection search tool to […]

Finding my way into restaurant kitchens: a Food Inspector Story

April 3, 2017.Reading time 8 minutes.

For National Public Health Week (April 3-7th), we’re celebrating by featuring unsung public health heroes who make our communities safer and healthier. Each day, we’ll highlight a public health worker through their own words, sharing their work and why they’re committed to serving our community. To kick off the week we spoke with one of […]

What if a restaurant doesn’t have a window? Where to look for food safety rating window signs

March 22, 2017.Reading time 8 minutes.

Have you seen the emojis in the windows of restaurants? They’re our new Food Safety Rating System “window signs” to help people know how restaurants are doing with their food safety practices. But not every restaurant has a window or even a front door. You may ask, “Where are those restaurants supposed to post their […]

King County case part of national E.coli outbreak linked to I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter

March 7, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

UPDATE (3/16/17): A second child in King County was hospitalized for E. coli (STEC) O157:H7 linked to eating I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter. The child is now recovering and has been discharged from the hospital. On March 10, 2017, The SoyNut Butter Company expanded its recall of SoyNut Butter products to include Dixie Diner’s Club brand Carb […]

How many restaurants have a food safety rating? 300 and counting!

February 2, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

It has been two weeks since we launched the Food Safety Rating System. Have you seen the new restaurant window signs? If you haven’t, you will soon. The new system is rolling out across King County in four phases throughout 2017. We divided King County into four geographic areas. When a new phase of the […]