NEW YORK (AP) — New York City officials say initial data show salmonella infections have decreased by more than 13 percent over the first full year of giving out letter grades for restaurants.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and health officials attributed the decrease to improved food sanitary practices by restaurants working to achieve better grades.
The officials also said Tuesday the grade system has been good for business, linking it to an increase in restaurant sales.
New York State Restaurant Association spokesman Andrew Rigie says the grading system is punitive and a financial burden on small business owners.
Humble delis and star-powered restaurants alike receive grades of A, B or C for sanitary conditions. An eatery that repeatedly gets Cs could run the risk of being closed.
The City Council on Wednesday is holding a hearing on the system, which started in July 2010.
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