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Consumer Health Division

Public Health in Action. Community at Heart.

The Consumer Health Division is committed to advancing public health in action, with the community consistently at the center of our mission. We promote healthy and vibrant communities through a comprehensive approach that combines education, proactive outreach, and science-based regulatory oversight.

Our division oversees critical public health programs, including the regulation of food service establishments, mosquito surveillance and abatement, and commercial swimming pool inspections. Each program is strategically designed to mitigate environmental and public health risks, enhance quality of life, and uphold safety standards across the city.

Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to service, we are helping make Dallas not only a healthier city, but a premier destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Safeguarding Dallas Through Public Health Action

Every day, the dedicated professionals of the Consumer Health Division work diligently, often behind the scenes, to safeguard the health and well-being of Dallas residents and visitors. From neighborhood food establishments to large-scale community events, our team of licensed sanitarians and public health experts serve on the front lines. They uphold rigorous standards in sanitation, safety, and disease prevention. Their efforts are essential to maintaining a resilient public health infrastructure that supports a cleaner, safer, and healthier Dallas.

Annual Impact Highlights

🔹6,900+ Permitted Food Establishments

Restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, convenience stores, schools, delis, food carts, and more are inspected regularly to ensure compliance with state and local health codes.

🔹 2,700+ Temporary Food Establishments

Permits issued and inspections conducted for major events including:

State Fair of Texas, New Year's Day Parade, St. Patrick's Day, Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, Taste of Dallas, and various community festivals.

🔹 150+ Foodborne Illness Investigations

Complaints and concerns are promptly investigated and resolved to prevent outbreaks and ensure food safety.

🔹 210+ Mosquito-Related Concerns Addressed

Surveillance, abatement, and community response efforts are deployed to help prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Zika virus.

🔹300+ Public Pools Inspected and Permitted

Commercial and community swimming pools are evaluated for water safety, chemical balance, and code compliance before they are cleared for public use.

Food Safety TRaining Schedule

This resource is designed to assist individuals and groups involved in unsheltered feeding events by providing clear access to training opportunities and compliance requirements. This is part of our ongoing efforts to educate and support volunteers serving the Central Business District (CBD), promoting safe and responsible food handling practices.

Please view the schedule below for more information and to register.

Consumer Health Division

7901 Goforth Road
Dallas, Texas 75238

(214) 670-8083

Temporary Food Establishment Permitting and Inspections
Foodborne Illness Investigations and Sampling
Central Business District Vending Inspections
Enforcement of City Ordinances and State Laws
Related to the sale and service of food and beverages
Emergency Response Operations
Grease Trap Overflows and Sanitation Issues
Mosquito-Borne Disease Surveillance and Response
Food Establishment Operations (Power Outages, Water Interruptions, Disasters)
Food Safety Training and Education
Restaurants / Food Handling
Smoking Ordinance Enforcement
Routine Inspections
Conducted at least once every six months to ensure ongoing compliance with food safety regulations and sanitation standards.
Follow-Up Inspections
Performed in response to prior violations, low inspection scores, or significant sanitation concerns requiring corrective action.
Complaint-Based Inspections
Initiated in response to consumer complaints involving general sanitation, unhygienic practices, suspected foodborne illness, or violations of the City's smoking ordinance.
Temporary Food Establishment Inspections
Coordinated with the City of Dallas Office of Special Events for public gatherings involving food service. Includes permit issuance, on-site inspections, and food safety guidance.
Inspection scores provide a snapshot in time of a food establishment's operational and sanitation conditions during the inspection. These scores are based on a weighted system that distinguishes between critical and non-critical violations, reflecting the potential risk to public health.
Please note that repeated facility names may appear in cases where follow-up inspections are required or when multiple permitted operations exist within the same location (e.g., meat, seafood, or produce departments in a grocery store).
If a restaurant is not listed, it may be due to one of the following:
A recent change in ownership
Ongoing remodeling or facility construction
Newly opened and pending initial inspection
Score Interpretation Guide
100–80: Meets Consumer Health Division standards
79–70: Follow-up inspection required within 30 days
69–60: Follow-up inspection required within 10 days
59 and below: Follow-up inspection required within 24 hours
Transparency to the Consumer
Under City of Dallas Ordinance Sec. 17-10.2(b), all food establishments are required to provide a copy of their most recent health inspection report upon request to any customer or potential customer.
To search for food establishment inspection scores within Dallas, visit:
You can Search Restaurant Food Scores located in the City of Dallas.
Food Establishment Permit Guidance
Whether you are opening a new establishment or making changes to an existing one, it's important to follow the appropriate permitting process to ensure compliance with City of Dallas health regulations. Please review the two pathways below to determine which applies to your business.
🔹 New or Remodeled Food Establishments
If you are building a new food or drink establishment or remodeling an existing facility:
You must apply for a Food Establishment Permit in person at:
Oak Cliff Municipal Center
320 E. Jefferson Blvd., Room 118
Dallas, TX 75203
This application is required before submitting construction plans to the Planning and Development Department.
Submit two identical sets of scaled plans, including:
Floor plan and equipment layout
Room finishes schedule
Location of sinks, hub drains, and floor drains
Important: A new facility or one that is currently not in operation must receive formal approval before opening for business.
🔹 Existing Facilities (Change of Ownership or Renovation)
If you are acquiring or modifying an existing permitted facility, you must submit a new application to the Consumer Health Division. This applies when:
Ownership of the business is changing
The operation type is significantly altered (e.g., new menu or service model)
Renovations or remodeling of the space are planned
All equipment and structures must meet current standards outlined in the City of Dallas Chapter 17 – Food Establishment Code.
Reminder: Compliance with current code is required even if the facility was previously permitted under different ownership or design.
If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact the Consumer Health Division at (214) 670-8083.
To report a possible food-borne illness or unsanitary condition at a restaurant or other food-related establishment, contact the City of Dallas 3-1-1 Service Request System at (214) 670-3111 or visit www.dallascityhall.com to enter your service request.
Vending on public property is prohibited except in the downtown Central Business District. Anyone selling goods (flowers, purses, shoes, etc.) on parking lots or along roadsides is doing so illegally. This type of activity is regulated by the Department of Code Compliance.
Dallas City Code Chapter 17 Food Establishments
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Texas Food Establishment Rules

Contact

Code Compliance

Consumer Health Division
7901 Goforth
Dallas, Texas 75238

Social Media:

Christopher Christian
Director

Code Compliance

MainTitleHeader​Consumer Health Division​​

Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast ​​commitment to service, we are helping make Dallas not only a healthier city, but a premier destination for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.