United States: food inspections

In the United States the app follows the FDA Food Code as your state adopted it (editions from 2005 to 2022), with your state’s own changes. Your state, county or city health department inspects.

Inspection body

State, county or city health department (the FDA publishes the model Food Code that states adopt)

The FDA Food Code is a model, not a federal law. States adopt it in full or with changes, and a state, county or city health department inspects restaurants. The USDA covers meat, poultry and some egg products only. The local fire marshal or fire department checks fire safety.

Most inspections are not announced. The inspector can come at any reasonable time when you are open and checks your food against the Food Code edition your state adopted. You get a copy of the report. Rules differ by state, county and city.

Hygiene rating

There is no national grade. Some places post scores, letter grades or placards online or in the window. For example, New York City uses A, B or C, Louisiana uses a 1–5 pelican rating, and Texas has no statewide grades.