Jeffco Restaurant Inspections: How Safe Is Your Favorite Spot?

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — We all have our favorite local spots to wine and dine, but have you ever worried about what's going on behind closed kitchen doors? Food poisoning can manifest itself in a range of ailments, from a small headache and exhaustion to deadly symptoms that can leave victims hospitalized for days.

Jefferson County Public Health Specialists perform inspections of more than 2,000 restaurants and food service businesses each year.

Did you know you can look up your favorite restaurant online? Simply type in the name of your go-to spot on the Jeffco website, and then click on the latest inspection to find out the details.

While many violations aren't so serious, some — such as roach and mice infestations, major plumbing problems and food stored at the wrong temperatures — are a big red flag.

Jeffco health inspectors use the following labels to categorize businesses:

Foodborne Illness Risk Factors / Public Health Interventions:
Risk factors are important practices or procedures identified as the most prevalent contributing factors of foodborne illness or injury, county officials said. Public health interventions are control measures to prevent foodborne illness or injury.

Good Retail Practices:
Good Retail Practices are preventative measures to control the addition of pathogens, chemicals and physical objects into foods.