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Inspections & Inspection Scores

When you eat, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting sick. Sharing food establishment inspection data allows our community members to make informed decisions on where they eat.

Inspection Score Database

Our Food Score Database shows the most recent scores of every food establishment in Whitman County, including restaurants, bars, coffee shops, grocery stores, and food establishments on WSU’s campus.

To request full inspection reports, email EH@whitmancounty.gov.

Look for this sticker posted at food establishments in Whitman County.

How Are Inspections Performed?

Inspectors identify possible violations of the Washington Retail Food Code during inspections. Each violation is worth a set number of points, and violations are split into two categories - high risk, also known as critical violations, and low risk, also known as non-critical violations.

Inspectors determine the score of an inspection by totaling the points of any violations found at the time of the inspection. A perfect score is zero.

Whitman County has an inspection procedure to determine when a food establishment has failed or should be placed under a temporary closure.

Food Establishment Inspection Procedure

You can view our Food Establishment Inspection Procedure Summary for a detailed explanation of the inspection process.

Inspection Types

  • Routine: Performed in compliance with WCPH’s Risk-Based Inspection Frequency Schedule
  • Re-Inspection: Performed after a failed routine inspection
  • Pre-Opening: Performed to ensure a new food establishment can open to the public
  • Complaint-Based: Performed after receiving a complaint about the establishment

Violation Types

High Risk (Critical) Violations

These violations are more likely to cause foodborne illness.

Examples include:

  • Bare hand contact
  • Improper cooking procedures
  • Improper temperature holding
  • Ill employees

Low Risk (Non‑Critical) Violations

These violations are less likely to cause foodborne illness and may lead to high risk (critical) violations if not addressed.

Examples include:

  • Required maintenance
  • Inadequate cleaning of food contact surfaces