Retail Food Inspection Grading System

The Fishers City Council has approved a sanitary grading system for retail food inspections as of November 14, 2022. Sanitary grading will begin with 2023 inspections. Food operators will be required to post grades by September 30, 2023. 

Explore the Food Grade and Inspection Dashboard by clicking below. The dashboard is fully interactive. Click on a facility name on the left and review inspection reports on the right panel. Zoom in and out using the map feature, select facilities by food grade, and more. Email healthdept@fishers.in.us with any questions.

Restaurant Grade Dashboard Banner

Food Inspection Grading System FAQs

Why is the Fishers Health Department implementing this grading system?
This initiative demonstrates the Fishers Health Department’s commitment to the health and safety of our residents. After seeing this work successfully in other states, the Fishers Health Department became the second municipality in the state to implement this protocol.

In November 2022, the Fishers City Council approved the sanitary grading system for retail food inspections beginning in 2023. You can find the ordinance here.

Where do I find a restaurant’s letter grade?

  • On the online dashboard at fishers.in.us/FoodGrade
  • On the exterior of the restaurant (must be displayed by September 30, 2023)

What does each letter grade mean?

Grading scale AGrade A

81 to 100 points An “A” grade designates a facility with exceptional compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Grading scale BGrade B 

71 to 80 points A “B” grade designates a facility with acceptable compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Grading scale CGrade C

61 to 70 points. A “C” grade designates a facility that meets minimum requirements for compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Temporarily Closed:

60 points or less or an imminent health hazard. The establishment will re-open after all priority violations have been corrected and imminent health hazard is eliminated.

Why is the lowest letter grade a C?
A restaurant that receives lower than a C rating is temporarily closed.

How do I find the inspection report?
All inspection reports are available online on an interactive dashboard at fishers.in.us/FoodGrade. Find the restaurant using the map or search function, then scroll all the way to the bottom to the Documents section to find the Health Inspection Report.   

How does the grading process work?
Each food establishment will start with 100 points. Points will be deducted for each violation that inspectors document, with point values based on the health risk the violation poses to the public:

  • Priority: This category consists of elements that, when in place, contribute to the elimination, prevention, or reduction to an acceptable level, hazards associated with foodborne illness or injury. Priority violations are (5) points each.
  • Priority Foundation: This category supports, facilitates, or enables one or more priority elements. Priority foundation violations are (3) points each.
  • Core: This category typically relates to general sanitation, operational controls, sanitation standard operating procedures, facilities or structures, equipment design or general maintenance. Core violations are (2) points each.

Is it safe to eat at a restaurant with a C rating?
By receiving at least a “C” rating, the Fishers Health Department is indicating that the facility is in compliance with the minimum standards to operate. Restaurants that receive lower than a C rating are temporarily closed. 

When can a restaurant that is temporarily closed reopen?
The Fishers Health Department will work with the restaurant to improve their food safety procedures so they can reopen as soon as possible. Once reopened, the restaurant will be issued a “C” rating.  

How often are restaurants graded?|
New grades will be issued with the 2024 inspection.

Why don’t food trucks have ratings?
Food trucks will be graded in 2024.

For Restaurants

Grading System Resources

Proposal Process

August 9, 2022Fishers Board of Health presentation
August 15, 2022Work session presentation at Fishers City Council
August 30, 2022Briefing to Fishers retail food establishments #1Listen to Webinar
September 13, 2022Briefing to Fishers retail food establishments #2Listen to Webinar
October 10, 2022City Council, anticipated 1st reading of new ordinance
November 14, 2022City Council, final reading and approval vote
September 30, 2023Deadline for food operators to post grades