Relating to: a statewide retail food establishment food grading system, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty. (FE)

AB 544 establishes a statewide food safety grading system for retail food establishments (like restaurants and grocery stores), requiring annual unannounced inspections based on a 100-point scale. Businesses must display their current grade (A, B, C, or "Grade Pending") at all public entrances within 48 hours, with penalties of $500 for a second violation and $1,000 for subsequent violations within 12 months of non-compliance. The system categorizes violations by public health risk, assigns negative points, and determines grades (e.g., A for 90-100 points), with "Grade Pending" triggering immediate corrective actions and reinspection. The department must maintain a public online database showing inspection results, grades, and assigned points for all businesses.