Restaurant classification
to evaluate quality

Platinum and silver level certifications
to be awarded to top performers

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced yesterday a new quality classification program for restaurants. The initiative is in collaboration with the Syndicate of Hotel Owners, the Syndicate of Owners of Restaurants, Cafés, Nightclubs and Pastry Shops, and the Union of Touristic Establishments.

The program aims to motivate restaurants to provide the best services and products, which will be reflected on the country’s overall hospitality image.

The new classifications include food preparation areas, modes of receiving and serving food, employee performance, cleaning, sterilizing, as well as food testing.

Each criteria is graded separately. A grade of above 90 percent earns restaurants platinum certifications and from 80-90 percent, a silver certification. Restaurants that score below this level do not receive any certifications.

The implementation of the new program will begin in the capital by September 1. A total of 931 establishments will be inspected in a series of three inspections, separated by a few months. Preliminary inspections lead to more involved ones, giving the restaurateur time to make all the necessary improvements.

This classification is only related to food safety and is not concerned with the Bureau Veritas accreditation required by the MOPH.

The certificate must be placed at the restaurant’s entrance, in view of customers. The program also requires that at least one employee receive regular training on food safety, through at least one seminar per year. This may take place at any training institute including the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture.