| Abstract: | ABSTRACT The publishing of food safety inspection scores in the media has been the subject of much debate and controversy among consumers, health inspectors, and reporters. Part of the debate centers around whether publishing the results of health inspections by the media influences foodservice establishments to gain better scores, since the media influence consumers' decisions as to whether or not to patronize an establishment. Using a case study approach, the health inspection scores obtained from Tippecanoe County, Indiana, US are analyzed prior to and after media reporting began to determine if the publishing of scores does impact the scores foodservice establishments receive. The results show that overall inspection scores and individual inspector's inspection scores increased and the number of consumer complaints to the health department decreased. This suggests that the reporting of restaurant inspections in the media not only provides information to consumers, but may also impact the inspection process itself. |
