Food & Consumer Safety

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The Food and Consumer Safety Program prevents illness and ensures proper compliance with food handling at all food establishments in Carrollton. Food Safety Specialists (also called Sanitarians) routinely inspect food service establishments and score them to ensure compliance with food codes.

All food service establishments in Carrollton that handle open food are mandated to have a Certified Food Manager (CFM) on duty at all times of operation to oversee food service operations and ensure proper food handling practices.. All remaining staff (i.e. kitchen staff, wait staff, host/hostess, cleaning staff, etc.) must obtain a Food Handler Certification within 30 days of employment.

It is the goal of the Food Safety Program to conduct risk based inspections. Risk based inspections are conducted according to type of menu and hazard level of food handling at the establishment. Inspection frequency is based on this risk assessment as well as permit classification and possible priority item or priority foundation item violations found at the establishment.

Priority Item. A retail food inspection violation category that directly contributes to the elimination, prevention, or reduction of hazards associated with food borne illness or injury to an acceptable level. Includes items with a quantifiable measure to show control of hazards such as cooking, reheating, cooling, and handwashing.

Priority Foundation Item. A retail food inspection violation category that supports, facilitates, or enables one or more priority items. Includes an item that requires specific actions, equipment or procedures that facilitate food safety; for example: personnel training, infrastructure or necessary equipment, HACCP plans, documentation or record keeping, and labeling.

Core Item. A retail food inspection violation category that is not designated as a Priority item or a Priority Foundation item that relates to general sanitation, operational controls, sanitation procedures, facilities or structures, equipment design, or general maintenance.

The Food Safety Specialist will also coordinate with other municipalities, Dallas and Denton Counties, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies to investigate all suspected and confirmed foodborne illness reports.

The Food and Consumer Safety Program operates in conjunction with Building Inspections to review the plans of all new food service establishments as well as the remodeling of any current establishment to ensure equipment and facilities meet the criteria for safe handling of food to the community.

Curious about your favorite restaurant in Carrollton? Check restaurant scores to see how they scored on their most recent inspection. If you feel a food establishment is operating in violation of city codes then please contact us by email or call us at 972-466-3060 or email us foodpermit@cityofcarrollton.com. You will need to provide the name of the establishment, the date and time you were at the location, your name and a contact telephone number in case we need to speak with you further about the problem. You may also fill out the restaurant / food complaint form

Food Establishment Permit Requirements

Permit Information