By Carol McCracken  (Post # 1,430)

Food service inspection reports for local restaurants and other food service providers will be available online at the city’s website: http://wwwportlandmainegov/hhs/foodserviceinspections.asp. according to a press release issued by the city’s spokesperson, Nicole Clegg this morning.  Although the press release does not state exactly when the inspection reports will be available on line, it does say this will make food inspections easily available to the public is a part of the city’s continuing effort to improve is Environmental Health & Safety programs of which fiid service inspections is an important part.  In addition to the inspects, the website includes important information for how to interpret the data included in the inspection report as well as ways the public can report a concern.

“With Portland’s growing reputation as a foodie destination, it is important that tourists and residents alike are able to enjoy dining in establishments that are safe and clean, which is why we want people to be able to check inspection reports and understand what they mean so they canmake good choices as to where to dine,” stated Michael Russell, Environmental Health & Safety Program Manager  “We also know that restaurant owners and chefs want to do the right thing and are eager for the guidance we can provide. By working together, we are able to both protect the public’s healh and support an important local industry.”

The city also announced that Michele Sturgeon returned to her position as a city health inspector last week.  She had been on medical leave since last December for an undisclosed ailment.