Four get highest BIBA Healthy Restaurant ratings

The Environmental Health Disease Prevention gave its highest rating of A+ to four restaurant establishments on Saipan last March for complying with the mandates and requirements of the BIBA Healthy Restaurant Program.

The four establishments are Everest Restaurant in Garapan, the Caravan Restaurant in Garapan, both Shirley’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop in Garapan and Susupe, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. cafeteria on Navy Hill.

This means they met all seven guidelines under the program and obtained scores between 90 and 100.

Four other restaurants—Salty’s Bar and Grill in Garapan, Coffee Shop in Dandan, Rendezvous Restaurant in Chalan Lau Lau, and Paris Croissant Bakery in Garapan—obtained a rating of “C.” This means at least two criteria of the program were met, obtaining scores between 70 and 79.

No restaurant obtained a score of 69 or less, which would have meant their temporary closure.

The BIBA Healthy Restaurant Program Inspection Grading Scale is as follows: A+: All guidelines met (#1-7); A: At least any 4 of the 7 guidelines are met; B: At least #1, #2, and #3 are met; and C: At least #2 and #3 are met.

CHCC, in partnership with the CNMI Nutrition Council, manages the Biba Healthy Restaurant Program that aims to increase the availability of clearly marked, nutritious food in local restaurants. The program’s mission is to make the healthy choice the easy choice at CNMI restaurants.

The Biba Healthy Restaurant Program certifies restaurants that are committed to:

• Include more fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and high-fiber foods

• Use more locally-grown or produced foods

• Emphasize whole and fresh ingredients, prepared with less sodium and sugar, and fewer processed and pre-packaged items

• Prepare foods with healthy fats, less saturated fat and minimal trans fats

• Use lean sources of protein

• Provide healthy portion sizes (small to moderate)

In order to enhance these goals and further emphasize the importance of nutrition in our community, the BIBA program has partnered with EHDP to incorporate BIBA inspections into regular sanitation inspections. This initiative will assist in promoting a healthier environment, including reducing secondhand smoke exposure. In addition, the availability of nutrition information will enable the community to choose healthier options. The inspections follow the regular sanitation inspection schedule.

The BIBA Healthy Restaurant Program is able to work toward BIBA certification with interested CNMI restaurants. Call (670) 236-8719 or send an email to bibamenu@gmail.com to inquire about the program and request for an application.

Inspection criteria
1. No high-sodium condiments and sweeteners on the table including soy sauce, salt shakers, sugar packets, and powdered creamer (available upon request).

2. Provide a 100% smoke-free environment, including within 25 feet of the entrance. No obvious signs of smoking near the entrance, like ashtrays, cigarette litter, etc.

3. No smoking signs are posted in a clearly visible area at the entrance and throughout the establishment.

4. BIBA posters and other materials are posted and clearly visible in the restaurant.

5. BIBA items are clearly marked with the logo on the menu.

6. BIBA factsheet about project standards is available to customers upon request.

7. Data on number of BIBA menu items purchased provided quarterly to CHCC (PR)