What does this mean?

London's eateries have been awash in rainbows since August. These colourful signs not only look pretty, they're going to help you dine a little safer.

The signs appeared as part of a new by-law, referred to as DineSafe, by the Middlesex- London Health Unit. They indicate that an eatery — the term encompasses restaurants, take-out places and variety stores — has not yet been inspected and received its official rating.

DineSafe inspections began October 1. When an eatery has been inspected, it will receive a new sign to display in a prominent place. A green sign indicates that the eatery has complied with the Ontario Food Premises Regulations; a yellow sign indicates the eatery has significant non-compliance with the regulations; and a red sign indicates that a restaurant has been closed due to immediate health hazards to the public.

"The other component of the bylaw is that we have a mandatory food handlers' certification component," explained David White, manager of environmental health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit. He is responsible for the food safety program. "We felt … it will reduce foodborne illness if we have trained staff." This part of the by-law is slated to become mandatory in October of 2011.

White said the by-law is also aiming to increase public safety and awareness.

Another way to keep informed about the food inspections of your favourite eateries is to go to the DineSafe website (www.dinesafemiddlesexlondon.com). It lists the number of critical and non-critical infractions of every establishment that serves food to the public for the past two years. The Enforcement Activities page "lists the restaurants that have either had a closure or a ticket issued by the public health inspector in the last three months," explained White.

White said the Health Unit team is pleased with how the program is being implemented. "I really think this is going to improve the safety standard … and help the public make an informed decision."

For more information, visit www.healthunit.com/foodsafety.aspx.