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.
DCHHS Environmental Health enforces the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) at 25 TAC Chapter 228 across unincorporated Dallas County and any city that contracts inspection services. Each routine inspection produces a numerical score deducting points for critical and non-critical violations. Establishments must hold a valid DCHHS 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 Dallas County cities like Dallas, Irving, Garland, Plano, and Mesquite run their own inspection programs.
Operating without a DCHHS 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.
See how DeSoto's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
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