Inspection Guides
How public health inspections work
Inspections turn into placards, scores and public records. These guides explain how the system works, how to read what inspectors write, and how to use a report to make a real decision about where to eat, swim or book an appointment. They are written by our team from the published rules and disclosure programs of the health authorities whose data we carry.
- Guide 01
How to Check Restaurant Health Inspections in Canada
Where each province and city publishes inspection results, and how to read a report.
- Guide 02
Health Inspection Placards & Scores Explained
What green, yellow, and red placards mean, and how numerical scoring systems work.
- Guide 03
How to Read a Health Inspection Report
What every part of an inspection report means — inspection types, infractions, critical vs. minor, and corrective actions.
- Guide 04
Common Food-Safety Violations Explained
The violations inspectors cite most often, why they matter, and how much risk each one really carries.
- Guide 05
Is a Restaurant Safe to Eat At?
How to turn an inspection result into a real decision — reading a bad report, closures, re-inspections, and more.
- Guide 06
How Restaurant Inspections Work
Who inspects restaurants, how often, what happens during a visit, and how results become grades, placards and closures.
- Guide 07
Think You Got Food Poisoning? What to Do and How to Report It
Symptoms and timing, when to see a doctor, and how reporting an illness to public health helps catch outbreaks.
- Guide 08
Salon, Spa, Tattoo and Piercing Inspections Explained
What inspectors check at nail salons, barbers, tattoo studios and spas, and the warning signs you can spot yourself.
- Guide 09
Public Pool, Hot Tub and Splash Pad Inspections
How water quality and safety are inspected, which illnesses pools can spread, and what to look for before you swim.
Looking for a specific area? Browse inspections by region →