One possible side effect of DOH letter grades in restaurants: fewer hospitalizations. According to a 2003 study, hospital admissions for food-borne illnesses in Los Angeles declined by 20 percent after the city tied letter grades to health inspections. A Stanford University economist wants to replicate the study in New York, WNYC reports. The Department of Health isn’t so sure there’s a connection, though: “Association is not proven.” [WNYC]
