A restaurant in Donghu sub-district, Yuhang district puts its health code at its front entrance. [Photo/thecover.cn]

A "health code" designed for catering companies was officially launched in Yuhang district, Hangzhou on Aug 20, local media outlets reported.

By scanning the QR code that is usually found at the front entrance of restaurants, consumers can get a thorough understanding of the restaurants' "health conditions," which include their health and business licenses, food material sources, as well as the conditions of its kitchen, dish cleaning room, and the health of staff members.

The color green represents the restaurant is safe for dining, while the yellow and red colors are direct warnings to consumers that the restaurant may have recently received complaints from consumers and needs to improve its services.

"I feel really relieved when I see the restaurant's 'green' health code, as well as other hygienic information," said Huang Qiujie, a local resident.

The beta version of the health code system waslaunched in May and has been applied in 427 school canteens, 41 rural familial banquet centers, as well as all the restaurants in Donghu and Yuhang sub-districts.

"The code enables us to conduct precise and targeted supervisions on restaurants," said Li Hangchuan, deputy head of the market supervision bureau of Yuhang district.