New Orleans, La. - A relatively small fee is expected to make a big difference in the safety of our food. Restaurants are paying about $50 more a year in permits, and the money will go to more inspectors of food establishments.
Inspectors can walk into a restaurant at any time to do a surprise 45-minute check of everything from the cleaning stations to the temperature of the food. Critical violations mean customers can be more at risk for food-borne illnesses.