DineSafe info is now readily accessible via the iPhone and Android. The new apps, created by the non-profit HackLab, leverage the open source data shared by the City of Toronto. It's the same data we use in the blogTO iPhone app and on this web site to link to DineSafe records next to each restaurant review. Handily, HackLab's new apps take this data even further, with comprehensive DineSafe records searchable by name, location (nearby), status and recent inspections.

For instance, I was able to quickly discover that the Dumpling House in Chinatown (yes, the same one once shut down for a rat infestation) received failing grades last Wednesday for failure to prevent food contamination as well as failure to provide proper utensils to ensure food safety.

The apps also share key statistics such as the current summary that 2 restaurants have been closed, 48 are subject to conditional passes, 243 have been untested and 14,296 have passed inspections.

The Android app isn't yet in the store, but in the meantime users can access the data via this mobile site.