For some restaurants, the health score is A+

Princeton Regional Health Commission can award the equivalent of a gold star.

By: Jennifer Potash
   Several eateries in Princeton Borough and Princeton Township received the equivalent of a gold star from the Princeton Regional Health Commission for outstanding food safety procedures.
   The Alchemist and Barrister, The Ferry House, Mediterra, George’s Roasters & Ribs and Zorba’s Grill, all in Princeton Borough and La Terraza in Princeton Township achieved a Satisfactory-Plus health rating.
   Other establishments, not typically open to the public but offering food services to either members or clients also earned the Health Department’s highest ranking — Jasna Polana, Tenacre Foundation, Tower Club, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Acorn Glen and Princeton House. The University Medical Center at Princeton, which has a cafeteria and café, also earned the satisfactory-plus distinction.
   The Health Department’s environmental health specialists make visits, at least once a year, to every food-handling facility in Princeton Borough and Princeton Township, said Princeton Regional Health Officer David Henry. Temporary events where food will be served, such as street festivals, must get approval for the food preparation procedures from the Health Department, Mr. Henry said.
   During unannounced visits, the health specialists inspect the food storage and preparation areas, sanitation, personnel hygiene and pest control methods at the restaurants, take-out food places, mobile restaurants, food markets, schools, houses of worship and other facilities that provide food service, Mr. Henry said. At the conclusion of the inspection, if the establishment meets the health standards, it receives a satisfactory rating.
   Establishments that fall short or are only minimally acceptable are issued a conditional rating and have a fixed period of time to improve the conditions. Any facility that fails to make the improvements is issued an unsatisfactory rating and may be closed by the Health Department.
   The Satisfactory-Plus rating requires restaurants and other establishments to exceed the normal requirements by sending a least two employees to the Health Department’s classes on food-handling practices. This voluntary program aims to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses and includes both classroom training and on-site instruction for food service employees.
   When dining out, the Health Department recommends that patrons look for or ask to see the posted Health Department rating certificate.
   The Princeton Regional Health Commission encourages Princeton food establishments to seek a Satisfactory-Plus rating to assure the public of their commitment to excellence and customer safety.