Harris County Public Health inspects food establishments in unincorporated areas under Texas Food Establishment Rules. Scores are numerical, not letter grades. Reports are posted online. Houston, Pasadena, and other cities run their own inspection programs separately.
HCPH Environmental Public Health enforces the Texas Food Establishment Rules at 25 TAC Chapter 228 across unincorporated Harris County and any contract city. Each routine inspection produces a numerical score that deducts points for critical and non-critical violations. Establishments must hold a valid HCPH food permit, employ at least one Certified Food Manager, and have all food handlers carry valid cards. Critical violations require immediate correction or follow-up reinspection. Repeat failures, refusal of inspection, or imminent health hazards can lead to permit suspension and closure. Larger Harris County cities like Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, La Porte, and Sugar Land run their own inspection programs.
Operating without an HCPH permit, refusing inspection, or failing to correct critical violations after reinspection can result in closure orders, permit suspension or revocation, and Class C misdemeanor citations through justice court.
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See how Harris County's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
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