Orange County HCA inspects every food facility and posts a color-coded A (pass), B (conditional), or C (closed) placard at the front door, visible to customers entering.
Orange County was the first US county to adopt a public placard grading system after a 2017 ordinance requiring restaurants, markets, and mobile food units to display HCA Environmental Health inspection results. Inspectors score each facility on critical and minor violations during unannounced visits. An A means substantial compliance, B means conditional pass requiring follow-up, and C means closure for imminent health hazards like sewage backup, vermin, or no hot water. Operators may request reinspection after correction. The placard must remain posted near the public entrance until replaced.
Removing, defacing, or obscuring an HCA placard is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and possible permit suspension by Environmental Health.
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See how Orange County's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
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