This afternoon, the city of Albuquerque’s Environmental Health Department (EHD) has issued an apology to 13 area restaurants that it improperly tagged with red stickers since the end of January.

The establishments were improperly graded because of a glitch in the software calculations that determine restaurant or other food service facility’s score during health inspections.  In order for an establishment to receive a red sticker it must score below the 79 percent needed to pass inspection.

Food safety inspections are carried out by the Consumer Health Protection Division of the EHD, in accordance with Federal Food and Drug Administration guidelines.

“In most cases, the incorrect calculation did not result in a downgrade, but there were several situations in which the incorrect score lead to a downgrade that was unwarranted,” said Mary Lou Leonard, director of EHD. “We sincerely apologize to the owners and staff of these facilities and to the community.”

The calculation error has been fixed, and all downgrades since the new system was implemented in late January have been reviewed. The 13 food establishments are listed below.

Albuquerque Grand Senior Apartments

1501 Tijeras Ave. NE

Chili’s Grill & Bar

10021 Coors Blvd. NW

China Best ABQ INC

8201 Golf Course Rd. NW  STE B

Godiva Chocolatier Inc.

6600 Menaul Blvd. NE  STE Q-009

Harold’s Laundry

2701 Cutler Ave. NE

IHOP 1550

5221 Ouray Rd. NW

Imbibe

3101 Central Ave. NE

Louie’s Pub & Grill

5603 Menaul Blvd. NE

Phillips 66

1517 Gibson Blvd. SE

Salsita Express

5010 Cutler Ave. NE  STE D3

Subway 34313

6200 Montgomery Blvd. NE  STE D

Sunrise Lotus Group LLC

9109 Galaxia Way NE

Vista Sandia Residential Care Inc.

8604 Camino Osito St. NE