The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District inspects food establishments in Bexar County using a numerical demerit score rather than letter grades. Scores and inspection reports are posted online, and high-demerit results trigger reinspection and possible permit suspension.
The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, jointly run by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, licenses and inspects restaurants and other food establishments under the Texas Food Establishment Rules and SAMC Chapter 13. Inspectors score on a 100-point scale, deducting demerits for priority and priority-foundation violations. Establishments scoring above set demerit thresholds must correct violations within set timeframes and may be reinspected on shorter cycles. Inspection results are posted on Metro Health's online inspection portal and are searchable by establishment name. Texas does not use a letter-grade system, unlike California or New York City. Imminent health hazards, such as no hot water or sewage backups, can trigger immediate closure.
High demerit scores or critical violations can lead to reinspection fees, mandatory closure, and permit suspension. Operating without a Metro Health permit can bring fines up to 2,000 dollars per day under TX Health and Safety Code Chapter 437.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Metro Health and Code Enforcement respond to rodent complaints under SAMC Chapters 13 and 14. Property owners are responsible for harborage abate...
San Antonio, TX
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 438 requires every San Antonio food employee to complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire. Metro...
San Antonio, TX
Mobile food vending in San Antonio requires permits from multiple agencies under Chapter 13 (Food and Food Handlers). Operators need a mobile food establishm...
See how San Antonio's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.