District Environmental Services (DES) is responsible for ensuring that the food
provided for human consumption is safe, wholesome, and free of contamination. DES is
responsible for the inspection of more than 22,000 restaurants, 14,000 markets, and
1,900 bakeries and retail food processing establishments.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SERVICES
- Provide enforcement of the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law, and the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law.
- Inspect retail food facilities for adulteration of foods, storage practices, food temperature requirements, equipment condition, and general sanitation.
- Respond to complaints regarding possible contamination or adulteration of foods.
- Conduct joint investigations of alleged food poisoning incidents with Food and Milk specialists.
- Conduct consumer protection inspections at food markets for fat analysis of ground beef, labeling requirements, and possible adulteration.
- Conduct truth-in-menu investigations at restaurants to verify the food advertised is actually what is being offered.
- Enforce the section of the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law on closures when an immediate danger to the public health and safety is present.
- Assist with recall activities of hazardous foods.
- In addition, conduct code enforcement and inspection activities at the following:
- Certified Farmers Markets
- Swap meet prepackaged food stands
- Temporary event food stands
- Summer feeding and senior feeding sites
- Illegal vendor operations
REQUIREMENTS FOR RETAIL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Information on Posting Requirements
New Requirements for Retail Food Establishments
Definition of a Food Establishment
FOOD ESTABLISHMENT RATINGS AND CLOSURE LIST
Current Food Establishment Rating List
Current Food Establishment Closure List
HOW TO CONTACT US
For questions/complaints, contact Environmental Health at (888) 700-9995
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