Alameda County Environmental Health inspects Berkeley restaurants under the California Retail Food Code, posts pass or conditional-pass placards, and publishes detailed inspection scores online for public review before dining.
Unlike Los Angeles County's letter grading, Alameda County uses a pass, conditional pass, or closed placard system tied to the California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code section 113700 and following). Berkeley restaurants are inspected at least once or twice yearly. Major violations (improper holding temperatures, sewage backups, vermin) can trigger an immediate closure or conditional pass placard requiring corrective action within 24 to 72 hours. Full inspection reports are posted to the Alameda County Environmental Health online lookup, and Berkeley operators must keep their current placard visible to customers.
Restaurants with closed or conditional placards must correct major violations promptly. Operating without a valid permit or hiding placards triggers fines and possible permit suspension by Alameda County.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
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