The Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) inspects Birmingham restaurants and assigns numerical scores derived from a 100-point scale, with letter grades posted publicly at every food-service establishment in the city.
JCDH conducts unannounced inspections of all permitted food establishments in Birmingham at least twice per year under Alabama Food Establishment Sanitation Rules. Inspectors deduct points for critical and non-critical violations; scores convert to letter grades A (85-100), B (70-84), or C (60-69). The grade card must be posted near the public entrance, visible to patrons. Repeat critical violations or scores under 60 trigger re-inspection within 10 days, with possible permit suspension. Inspection reports are public and searchable on the JCDH website by establishment name.
Failing to post the grade card or operating without a valid JCDH food permit can result in immediate closure and fines up to $500 per day until compliance is verified.
See how Birmingham's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
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