DC Department of Health inspects food establishments at least twice yearly under DC Code 7-731, posting full inspection reports online and requiring critical violations to be corrected within 10 days.
DC's Food Safety Branch inspects every food service establishment one to four times per year based on risk category. Unlike New York or Los Angeles, DC does not require letter-grade postings at the door, but full inspection reports are publicly searchable on dchealth.dc.gov. Critical violations such as temperature abuse, vermin, or cross-contamination must be corrected within 10 days; uncorrected critical violations trigger immediate closure. Establishments must designate a Certified Food Protection Manager on-site during all operating hours under 25 DCMR Subtitle A.
Operating without a food manager, failing to correct critical violations within 10 days, or operating during a closure order can trigger DOH fines up to $2,000 and license revocation.
See how Washington's restaurant grade cards rules stack up against other locations.
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