Polk County Public Health (under Iowa DIA contract) inspects Des Moines food establishments and posts inspection reports online, though Iowa does not use letter grades like A/B/C systems.
Des Moines restaurants are inspected by Polk County Public Health, the local delegated authority under Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Routine inspections occur 1-4 times annually based on risk category. Iowa uses a numerical violation system rather than letter grades; reports list priority, priority foundation, and core violations. Reports are public and posted at dia.iowa.gov. Critical violations require corrective action within 10 days or immediately for imminent health hazards. Foodborne illness complaints trigger unscheduled inspections. Operators must hold a current Iowa food license.
Failure to correct priority violations, operating without a license, refusing inspection, or repeat critical violations can result in fines, license suspension, or closure by Polk County Public Health.
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See how Des Moines's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
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