In Napa County, diners can bite into their meals more confidently, thanks to a recent uptick in food safety scores. The county's Planning, Building, and Environmental Services (PBES) department is popping the cork on some good news, with reports that over 90 percent of food facility inspections have resulted in an "A" score and an even more impressive 98 percent snagging either an "A" or "B." The statistics come amid wider efforts to increase effectiveness throughout the department.
The journey to this point wasn't a walk in the park for the Environmental Health (EH) Division, which has grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages, wildfires, and a surge in unpermitted food vendors. Regardless of these challenges, Bryan Bordona, the Director of PBES, states, as per Napa County, "These results show the impact of focused improvements coupled with the unwavering commitment of our stellar team." Even though staffing hurdles and unforeseen emergencies have stretched resources thin, Napa County's EH team has kept the pressure on high-risk establishments, all while juggling public complaints and additional oversight for venues with a history of violations.
Napa County has made several improvements to improve the effectiveness of the food safety program. These include a new metrics-based inspection model to encourage consistent and transparent results, better training to mold a more resourceful staff, and technology enhancements to amplify reporting and supervision. Bordona's words in a recent press release were optimistic about the future, with him stating that these upgrades and the dedication of local businesses are what bolster Napa Valley's top-shelf reputation.
