Sanitation grades may be deceiving

The convenience of fast food has seduced the busy family or college student countless times over; however, this seduction is not ever viewed as a sinister health risk. Many people view healthy eating at fast-food establishments as ordering a Caesar salad or grilled chicken sandwich. Many do not understand that the preparation of the meal is also directly affects their health as well.

The Pitt County Environmental Health Division, a division of the Pitt County Health Department, is in charge of inspecting food and lodging establishments in the county as requisite by the laws of North Carolina. These inspections are performed by Environmental Health Specialists who are Registered Sanitarians; they inspect the establishment for cleanliness, appropriate storage of food and supplies and food handling practices that are in place to protect the health and well-being of the clientele and workforce. Upon completion of each inspection, all of the respective establishments' areas are provided a letter grade and numerical score. The establishment is then required to post this grade in a location that is visible to the public. According to the Pitt County environmental health website, the inspections are performed without advanced notice to the establishment. However, some restaurants claim to know when the Health Department is going to pay them a visit.

Upon visitation of Andy's on Tenth Street manager Cory Bennett, says that he always has a "heads up" when the inspectors are projected to be in the area. No one at the Pitt County Enviromental Health office was available for contact regarding this incongruity. Bennet also says that although Andy's currently has a score of 98, the restaurant originally had a 96. The extra points were awarded because the management at Andy's successfully completed an approved Food Protection Managers course titled Serve Safe, an elementary level class about sanitation.

Although an inspection resulting in a score below 70 results in an automatic revocation of the establishment's permit, many restaurants still can afford to have a low score. The extra two points ensures their permit will not be revoked and they can continue to observe unhygienic health procedures and serve food to the public.

Tim Butnam, manager of Papa John's on Tenth Street states that in the past the Serve Safe sanitation class had been attended by a manager to boost the restaurants score, however, they had not attend the class recently and were not current on their certification. Papa John's received a 95.

Although many companies have sanitation safety education built into their employee core curriculum, Arby's on Tenth Street have monthly sanitation built into their employees training as well as corporate training the managers must attend. Arby's received two points taking them from a 97 to a their current 99 rating.

"We pride ourselves with being consistent when it comes to inspections, two points or not we still keep our restaurant very clean. Hygiene is not only important to the customers but everyone with Arby's," said Otis Washington, manager of the Arby's on Tenth Street.

Although some restaurants in Greenville have opted for the "two extra points system" some refuse to take the Serve Safe classes.

"I feel it's a little dishonest [that] they encourage you to use the points to boost your score but I'm not paying over $100 to take a class on stuff I already know," said Delia Liuzza, owner of the Tipsy Teapot on Evans Street, which currently has a sanitation score of 94.

" I mean 94 is the lowest we've gotten and I'm ashamed of it but at least it's real."

A consumer must not only eat smart and make healthy choices, but double check the sanitation of their favorite establishments.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.