NYC warns of consequences for fake inspection gradesNYC warns of consequences for fake inspection grades

Elissa Elan

New York City's health department warned restaurant operators that it would issue violations and possibly revoke the operating licenses of businesses that post counterfeit letter-grade inspection signs in their windows.

A significant number of restaurants have received top marks since the city's new inspection system went into effect in July. However, the health department's warning comes amid recent reports that some New York City restaurants have posted bogus signs either before being inspected or after receiving a less-than-perfect grade.

The health department has asked the public to report anyone thought to be flouting the new letter-grade mandate.

“A restaurant that posts a counterfeit card is subject to a fine and runs the risk of losing its permit,” the department said in a statement sent to Nation’s Restaurant News. “If someone believes that a foodservice establishment has posted a counterfeit letter grade they should call [city helpline] 311 and report it."

The health department noted that it would be able to identify fake signs because each letter grade card has a different serial number matching it to the restaurant and is embossed with an NYC Health logo.

No violations have been issued yet over fake letter grades, the department said.

The New York Daily News reported earlier this week that a Chinese restaurant in midtown Manhattan had posted a sign with an A grade, though the eatery had yet to be inspected since the new system went into effect. Based on the restaurant's last inspection, which included references to mice and roaches, it would probably earn a B grade, the newspaper found.

Contact Elissa Elan at [email protected].