Food Establishment Inspection


Periodic visits by health inspectors to verify compliance with TXDSHS standards, checking cooking temps, sanitation practices, and safe food handling.

Related Terms

Grease Trap Maintenance

Regular pumping and cleaning of grease interceptors to prevent drain clogs and odors. TXDSHS may ...

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Consumer Advisory

A notice on menus about the risks of eating raw or undercooked foods (e.g., oysters, rare meats)....

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Employee Health Policy

Guidelines requiring food employees to report illnesses and follow exclusion or restriction rules...

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Active Managerial Control

A proactive approach where managers continuously verify staff compliance with TXDSHS health regul...

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Infrastructure Backups

Issues like sewage or water line backups in kitchens or bars. TXDSHS mandates immediate closure a...

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Foodborne Illness Investigations

Inquiries conducted by TXDSHS after reported outbreaks; establishments must provide temperature l...

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Food-Grade Chemicals

Cleaning agents or lubricants safe for use in food areas; must have labeling and handling instruc...

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Food Handler Certification

A state-approved credential ensuring individuals understand basic food safety practices. In Texas...

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Disciplinary Actions for Food Violations

Penalties like fines, permit suspensions, or mandatory retraining if TXDSHS finds serious infract...

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CDC Food Code vs. TXDSHS

The CDC’s Food Code provides federal guidance, while TXDSHS adopts or modifies these recommendati...

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Pest Control

Methods to prevent or eliminate rodents, insects, or other pests in food establishments. TXDSHS r...

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Bacterial Spores

Dormant forms of bacteria (e.g., Bacillus cereus) that survive cooking and grow when conditions b...

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Religious-Based Dietary Accommodations

Adjusting menus for kosher, halal, or other faith-related rules; labeling foods accordingly helps...

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Allergen Labeling

Federal and state regulations requiring clear indication of major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, sh...

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Allergic Reaction Response

Emergency steps if a customer experiences anaphylaxis, including stopping service, calling 911, a...

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Risk-Based Inspections

Health inspections focusing on high-risk factors (e.g., improper holding temps, poor personal hyg...

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Sidework Checklists

Closing or opening tasks like restocking, cleaning equipment, or verifying correct PFD signage fo...

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Shared Kitchen Spaces

Facilities rented by multiple businesses (e.g., ghost kitchens). TXDSHS rules apply to each tenan...

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Floor Drain Sanitation

Regular cleaning of kitchen drains to prevent bacterial buildup or pest breeding. TXDSHS inspecto...

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Consumer Feedback Logs

Voluntary records of customer complaints or praises regarding food or alcohol service; managers u...

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Shift Log Documentation

A record of daily occurrences, including temperature checks, ID verifications, and incidents; hel...

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HACCP Plan

“Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point” framework used to identify potential hazards in food pro...

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Laundering Linens

Proper washing and storage of towels, aprons, and uniforms, preventing cross-contamination. Some ...

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Water Supply Interruption

If running water fails, TXDSHS typically requires ceasing operations until it’s restored for hand...

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TXDSHS Rules

Regulations set by the Texas Department of State Health Services outlining safe food handling and...

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Chemical Storage Separation

Storing cleaning chemicals away from food, utensils, or single-use items to prevent accidental in...

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Menu Labeling

Displaying nutritional information or allergen disclaimers on menus or menu boards to help consum...

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Sous Vide Cooking

Cooking food in vacuum-sealed pouches at low temperatures; TXDSHS requires strict time/temp contr...

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