Oxford Food Service Inspections Yield Positive Results

The Mississippi Department of Health recently conducted a total of 65 food service inspections in Oxford’s Lafayette County, focusing on a variety of dining facilities ranging from restaurants to school cafeterias and fast food chains. The investigation took place from June 1 to June 30, revealing that the majority of food establishments, specifically 47 out of 65, received an ‘A’ grade.

In-depth Understanding of the Rating System

The health department uses an ABC grading system to evaluate food facilities. These ratings are publicly displayed to inform consumers about the establishment’s recent health inspection results. The grading A, B, or C correlates with the detection and correction of any critical violations during the inspection process.

• An ‘A’ grade confirms no critical violations were found.
• A ‘B’ grade signifies critical violations were spotted but addressed and rectified immediately during the supervision of the inspecting environmentalist, needing no further corrective interventions.
• A ‘C’ grade indicates the discovery of critical violations, from which some, if not all, were not remedied during the inspection. Such establishments are subject to a re-inspection, and all discovered violations must be rectified within a period not exceeding 10 days.

Recognition of A-graded Establishments

Topping the list of A-graded facilities were already noted food service providers such as Domino’s Pizza, Burger King, and Zaxby’s. The establishments that made the A list also included popular local sites like Bottletree Bakery, Tango’s (kitchen, upstairs bar, front bar, and outside bar), and Volta Taverna and bar, amongst others.

Emphasis on B and C Grades Facilities

Less satisfactory grades were assigned to 10 facilities that received ‘B’ grades and 4 others that received ‘C’ grades. Among the B-graded establishments were international franchisees like Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and Starbucks, as well as local joints such as Blue Skye and Mugshots Grill and Bar. The C-rated establishments included Taco Bell, Mugshots Grill and Bar, Zaap Thai Kitchen, and Uno Mas Tacos. However, it is important to note that Taco Bell, Mugshots Grill and Bar, and Zaap Thai Kitchen have since corrected the compliance issues and have been uplifted to ‘B’ upon re-inspection. Uno Mas Tacos is still awaiting reinspection.

Relevance of Health Inspection Results to Consumers

Evaluating and publicising the health inspection results does not only hold the food establishments accountable but also gives the consumers the authentic insights they need to make sound dining decisions. It encourages transparency and builds trust between the food service provider and the consumer, ultimately enhancing the overall dining experience in Oxford’s Lafayette County.