The Barren River District Health Department inspects Warren County restaurants. How Kentucky's 100-point scores work and how to get a report: 270-781-2490.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Facts on this page come from the Barren River District Health Department and the Kentucky food code, 902 KAR 45:005. This page explains the system; it does not rate or rank any business.

Restaurants, food trucks, grocery stores and school cafeterias in Bowling Green and Warren County are inspected by the Barren River District Health Department (BRDHD), through its Warren County Health Department office on State Street. The health department issues food permits, does routine inspections, reviews plans for new and remodeled kitchens, and investigates foodborne illness complaints.

Who to call

  • Food safety, complaints, permits: Warren County Health Department, 270-781-2490, 1109 State St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays
  • After-hours public health emergencies or reporting a disease: 270-781-8039, then press 3
  • Medical emergency: 911

How Kentucky scores an inspection

Kentucky uses one statewide system, set by the Kentucky food code:

  • The inspector records findings on the state’s Food Establishment Inspection Report. Each requirement on the form carries a point value.
  • The score is 100 minus the points for every violation found. A perfect inspection is 100.
  • Priority violations must be fixed within 10 days, whatever the overall score.
  • Score of 85 or more: one-point violations must be fixed before the next routine inspection.
  • Score of 70 to 84: one-point violations must be fixed within 30 days.
  • Score under 70: the business gets a notice of intent to suspend its permit.
  • Score under 60: the permit is suspended immediately. The business cannot reopen until a reinspection finds the problems fixed.

The permit holder can appeal, and a business that misses a correction deadline can have its permit suspended.

How to read a score

  • A score is a snapshot of one visit.
  • Look at the violations listed on the report, not just the number.
  • A low score is not a finding that anyone got sick, and a high score is not a guarantee.

How to see an inspection report

The Barren River District Health Department does not post a searchable online database of inspection scores. Inspection reports are public records:

  1. Call the Warren County Health Department at 270-781-2490 and ask for the most recent inspection report for the business by name and address.
  2. Or send a written open records request to the health department under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Contact details are on the department’s contact page.

We will add a link here if the health department puts scores online.

Opening a food business

Anyone opening or remodeling a restaurant, food truck or other food business needs plan review and a permit before opening. The health department asks owners to schedule inspections through their local office. The department also provides online food safety training for food service workers, at least once every three years.

During a boil water advisory

The Kentucky Department for Public Health publishes water interruption guidelines for food service establishments (PDF), posted by the health department.

Frequently asked questions

Who inspects restaurants in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

The Barren River District Health Department’s Food Safety Program, through the Warren County Health Department at 1109 State St. Call 270-781-2490.

How are Kentucky restaurant inspection scores calculated?

Under the Kentucky food code, 902 KAR 45:005, the score is 100 minus the points for each violation found. Priority violations must be fixed within 10 days whatever the score.

What happens if a Kentucky restaurant scores below 70?

A score under 70 brings a notice of intent to suspend the permit. A score under 60 means the permit is suspended immediately, and the business cannot reopen until a reinspection finds the problems fixed.

How do I report food poisoning or a restaurant problem in Warren County?

Call the Warren County Health Department at 270-781-2490 during business hours. For after-hours public health emergencies, call 270-781-8039 and press 3.