Restaurant Grade Cards: Dallas vs Mesquite
How do restaurant grade cards rules compare between Dallas, TX and Mesquite, TX?
Dallas and Mesquite have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas Code Compliance Services inspects food establishments under City Code Chapter 17 and posts numerical scores online. Unlike Los Angeles or New York, Dallas does not require posted letter grades at the entrance.
View full Dallas rules →Mesquite, TX
Dallas County
Dallas County Health and Human Services inspects food establishments in unincorporated areas and contract cities under the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Scores are numerical, not letter grades, and reports are posted on the DCHHS website.
View full Mesquite rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Dallas Code Chapter 17 | DCHHS Environmental Health |
| Inspector | Code Compliance Consumer Health | - |
| Scoring | Numerical 0-100 scale | - |
| Letter grade posted | No, not required | - |
| Max fine | $2000 per offense | - |
| State rules | - | 25 TAC Chapter 228 (TFER) |
| Coverage | - | Unincorporated and contract cities |
| Score format | - | Numerical, not letter grade |
| Closure trigger | - | Imminent health hazard |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Where can I see a restaurant's inspection score?
Dallas publishes inspection results on its open data portal and the Code Compliance website. Search by establishment name. Scores are not required to be displayed at the restaurant entrance.
What score triggers a reinspection?
Establishments scoring roughly below 70, or with uncorrected critical violations, receive a reinspection within ten to thirty days. Repeat low scores can lead to permit suspension or closure.
Mesquite FAQ
Who inspects restaurants in my Dallas County city?
Dallas, Irving, Garland, Plano, Mesquite, and Richardson run their own programs. Smaller cities and unincorporated areas are inspected by DCHHS Environmental Health under contract or default county jurisdiction.
Where can I see DCHHS inspection scores?
DCHHS posts inspection reports on its Environmental Health website. Search by establishment name. Scores are not required to be posted at the door under Texas state rules.
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