Baltimore County’s powerful new online tool shows restaurant closures and health code violations. Image: Baltimore County

Baltimore County residents can now view restaurant closures and health code violations on Baltimore County’s new online tool.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

In today’s digital age, access to critical information about our communities is essential. Baltimore County recognizes the importance of transparency and has taken a significant step forward by launching the Food Establishment Closure Dashboard. This new online tool provides residents with an interactive map and detailed information about restaurants that have been ordered to close due to health code violations in the past year. The new initiative aims to promote accessible and open government by offering a range of features and benefits.

Enhancing Transparency and Accessibility

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski expressed his commitment to empowering residents with valuable information about their communities. The Food Establishment Closure Dashboard is a testament to this dedication. According to Olszewski, this new online platform ensures that every resident can easily access critical information related to food businesses in the county. “Every resident deserves the ability to access critical information about their communities, and this new online tool is yet another way we are making information available,” Olszewski said. He thanked the “BCSTAT data team, as well as the Baltimore County Department of Health, for creating this new tool that expands our administration’s work to provide more accessible and open government.”

Navigating the Dashboard

The dashboard features a user-friendly interface that allows residents to explore the closure status of various food establishments in Baltimore County. The centerpiece of the dashboard is an interactive map that visually represents the closed restaurants. Colored dots represent each establishment, indicating the duration since their last closure. The colors correspond to three-month intervals, with the most recent closures highlighted in a distinct color.

In addition to the map, users can also access a comprehensive list format that provides detailed information about the restaurants. This alternative view offers convenience and flexibility for users who prefer a more structured approach to browsing the closures.

When users click on a specific restaurant, they can access essential information about its closure history. The dashboard displays the dates when the establishment closed and subsequently reopened. Moreover, it highlights the specific “critical violations” that led to the closure. This level of detail empowers residents to make informed decisions about where they choose to dine and reinforces the importance of food safety standards.

Commitment to Safety and Well-being

The Baltimore County Department of Health, in partnership with the Environmental Health Services unit, plays a vital role in safeguarding the safety and well-being of the county’s residents.  Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, the county’s health officer, emphasizes their commitment to monitoring and overseeing the more than 3,500 food service facilities across Baltimore County. By working hand-in-hand with these establishments, they can uphold high standards of hygiene and safeguard the health of customers and employees alike. “Our Environmental Health Services unit provides licensing, oversight, and monitoring to more than 3,500 food service facilities across Baltimore County,” said Dr. Wm. Branch.

Restaurant Closures: Addressing Closure Reasons

The Food Establishment Closure Dashboard sheds light on the common reasons behind closures due to health code violations. These reasons include:

• Unapproved source or process for obtaining food items.
• Food spoilage and/or contamination.
• Pest infestation.
• Employee(s) working while ill.
• Improperly washing hands.
• Improper or unapproved cooling products.
• Improper temperatures and/or insufficient refrigeration or hot-holding equipment.
• Improper cooking or reheating temperatures.
• Unapproved water supply or positive bacteriological test results.
• Insufficient hot and cold running water.
• Sewage backup or overflow.

A dashboard disclaimer emphasizes the importance of promptly addressing critical violations discovered during inspections. Failure to promptly correct such violations may result in the temporary closure of the restaurant until all issues are resolved. The county’s proactive approach aims to maintain the highest level of food safety and prioritize the well-being of the community. It is worth noting that closure events are often resolved within a single day, highlighting the county’s commitment to a swift resolution and ensuring a safe dining experience for all.

Baltimore County is committed to providing up-to-date information through the Food Establishment Closure Dashboard.  The county states that it will update the dashboard on a daily basis, ensuring that residents have access to the latest closure data. Each restaurant’s closure details will be on display for one year following its closure, after which health-related closure events will no longer appear on the dashboard. According to the county, this continuous update cycle guarantees that users can rely on the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.

Changing Ownership and Closure Events

In the event of a change in restaurant ownership while continuing to operate as the original establishment, closure events will remain visible on the dashboard for the one-year period. However, if a new restaurant opens at the same location as a previous one, it will not inherit the closure events of its predecessor. This distinction ensures that the dashboard accurately reflects the closure history of each individual establishment.

The Baltimore County Food Establishment Closure Dashboard is an invaluable resource for residents seeking comprehensive information about restaurant closures and health code violations. With its user-friendly interface, detailed closure histories, and commitment to transparency, the dashboard empowers individuals to make informed decisions about dining choices. By leveraging this powerful online tool, Baltimore County reinforces its commitment to accessible and open government, setting a benchmark for other communities. Visit the dashboard and explore the closure details of Baltimore County food establishments, ensuring your safety and well-being when dining out.

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