San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) inspects every food facility in the city and posts a numerical inspection score with pass, conditional pass, or closed status. The county uses a 100-point deduction system, not the LA-style A/B/C cards.
Under California Retail Food Code (CalCode) and County Code Title 6 Chapter 5, San Diego County DEHQ inspects every restaurant, market, and food truck operating inside San Diego city limits at least once a year. Inspectors deduct points for major violations such as improper holding temperatures, vermin, and bare-hand contact with ready-to-eat food. The numeric score and a pass, conditional pass, or closed result must be displayed at the food facility entrance. Conditional pass requires reinspection within set days. Closure happens when imminent health hazards exist. Public results are posted on DEHQ's online inspection portal so residents can check before dining.
Operating without a posted notice or hiding the inspection result is a misdemeanor under CalCode. Failed reinspections, repeat major violations, or imminent health hazards trigger closure and public listing on the DEHQ inspection portal until corrective action passes.
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