Originally Posted by
lhrsfo
Generally, I would agree with uk1 that more information is a good thing. However, I'm with emma69 in that I've lived my life trusting that, if a restaurant is permitted to remain open, then I should be ok. Touch wood, and hoping not to tempt fate (I'm not eating at a restaurant for the next week....), I have not had food poisoning yet, except on United Airlines.
As I see it, the problem with bureaucratic systems is that they are very much a "one size fits all" approach and they look at lots of things which are not strictly necessary. Assuming that they will (and they should) close down a restaurant that was dangerous, then one must assume that you are safe in a restaurant with a score of 1 as much as with a score of 5.
We're all different.
Your trust in fate philosophy might be a slightly more understandable approach if places were inspected frequently and a bad place was picked up and closed down quickly. But the fact that they are not doesn't make your approach a sensible approach. In most places it is infrequent. So your optimism in inspections doesn't take account of the extended periods before and in between an inspection. At least inspections tell,you what they were like last time they were inspected and after a few years in an area a pattern emerges. It tells you as much about which owners and operators are not just OK when inspected but also which ones you can trust over time. Many with poor ratings also always seem to be changing hands often.
You also take a rather fanciful view of how this is done. As I posted above a 0 and 1 rating is
urgent action necessary. If you are happy eating in that place in preference to a clean place - and that clearly sounds rational to you, but may not be to many other sensible people.
Most places with a 4 are desperate for a 5, and those with a 5 do not want the shame of losing it. It is a matter of pride and reputation. I've seen many Asian places where our second home is that have never risen above base levels and people talk about them and avoid them for those that proudly display their 5 ratings. The apps also now tell you rated places that are close to you.