MIDDLEBORO — Middleboro will soon begin posting grades on town establishments that reflect their commitment to food safety.

All businesses that sell food are regularly inspected by the Health Department, Health Agent Kayla Smith told the select board at their Feb. 24 meeting. At least two unannounced inspections take place each year.

The businesses are ranked during the visit for their commitment to food handling practices, food facility maintenance and sanitation. 

They receive ratings from A to C, similar to academic testing, Smith noted.

Businesses that score between 91 to 100 points receive an A,; 81 to 90 a B and 68 to 80 a C.

Ratings below C result in the business being placed on probation with a hearing required before the Board of Health. 

Their subsequent ratings in letter form will now be posted on the doors of these businesses, she said. 

Food contamination can be the result of a variety of factors, including improper food handling, poor temperature controls, cross-contamination, chemicals and other toxic substances and exposure to insects and rodents.  

Having these grades posted on all entrances and exits will provide the public with more information about the status of the business, Smith said.

“If you see a C, people might think twice’’ about patronizing a business, Select Board Member Brian Giovanoni said.

The inspection process has not changed, Smith explained, but posting the grades provides the public with more notification.

Giovanoni said that these grades cannot be camouflaged. He referenced a business in New York that used its C rating for the first letter in a “Coffee’’ sign. That cannot happen in Middleboro, he said.

Smith said the health department takes the issue of food safety seriously. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 to 81 million people become ill each year from contaminated food. Only the common cold results in more illnesses, the center reports.

Smith anticipates the public grading posts will be ready by June.