ATLANTA (AP) — A new study suggests that at least one in seven home kitchens would flunk the kind of health inspection commonly administered to restaurants.

The small study done in Los Angeles County found that less than two–thirds of home kitchens would get an A or B if put through the rigors of a restaurant inspection. At least 14 percent would fail.

In comparison, 98 percent of restaurants in the county get A or B scores each year.

The study is believed to be one of the first to offer this kind of look at food safety in private homes.

Food poisoning outbreaks in restaurants often get the most attention. But experts believe most illnesses may stem from meals prepared at home.

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Online:

CDC publication: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr