The new framework will rate eateries on hygiene and food safety standards, with inspections also shifting to a risk-based system
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has introduced a hygiene grading system for restaurants and other food establishments, with eateries to receive grades from A to D based on inspection findings, according to a media report.
Report state that the system, introduced last month, is part of revised guidelines for food establishments and replaces inspection procedures that had largely remained unchanged since 1964. Under the new framework, establishments will be assessed on food safety and hygiene standards, with inspections beginning at 100 points. Minor violations will attract a one-point deduction, major violations four points and critical violations 10 points.
Establishments scoring 90-100 will receive an A grade, those scoring 75-89 a B, those scoring 60-74 a C and those scoring below 60 a D. Two or more critical violations will result in a D grade regardless of the overall score. The hygiene grade will have to be displayed prominently at the establishment’s entrance, allowing customers to see the outcome of the latest inspection.
MCD Shifts To Risk-based Inspections
The revised guidelines also introduce a risk-based inspection system. Food establishments will be classified as high, medium or low risk based on factors including their size, nature of operations, compliance history, complaints and previous enforcement action.
High-risk establishments, including large banquet halls and food courts, will face more frequent inspections, while smaller outlets with a clean compliance record will generally be inspected annually or following complaints.
The inspection process will cover key areas such as food storage and preparation, kitchen sanitation, food-handler hygiene, pest control and waste management. The MCD will also conduct surprise inspections where there is credible information about a violation or an immediate public health concern.
The revised guidelines came into effect following the deregulation of the Health Trade Licence regime and take into account newer food-service formats such as cloud kitchens and delivery-only outlets.
(With input from agency)
