The Garrard County Health Department makes routine inspections on food service establishments. They are inspected for food storage and handling, food temperatures, utensil washing, restrooms and general sanitation. They are graded on a scale of 1 to 100 with 100 being a perfect score.
Violations of the food service code carry values of 1, 2, 4 or 5 points depending on the seriousness of the violation. Items marked that are worth 4 or 5 points are considered "critical items" and require immediate attention and must be corrected within 10 days. Those with scores of 85 to 100 with no critical violations are in compliance with the Kentucky Food Service Code. Those with a score of 70 to 84 (with no critical violations) must be re-inspected within 30 days and may face suspension if deficiencies are not corrected in that time. Establishments that score 60 to 69 are issued a notice of intent to suspend their permit. They also have an option to request a conference within 10 days of the notice of intent to suspend to explain why they should be allowed to remain open for business. A score of 59 or less results in immediate closing of the establishment.
