Food Establishment Complaints

Metro Health Inspectors will visit food establishments within 4 working days to investigate complaints and ensure the establishment is following Metro Health procedures. This request is for food establishments located within the City limits of San Antonio.

Inspections can be made for the following violations:

• Sanitary Conditions- such as: no water, sewage backup, cleanliness of the establishment, and overflowing dumpster.
• Food Contamination -food that is unsafe to eat due to physical (hair or objects, etc.), chemical (cleaners, etc.) or biological (bacteria, mold, etc.) contaminants or food that is off temperature.
• Food Contact Surfaces – A surface of equipment or a utensil with which food normally comes into contact or from which food may drain, drip or splash into food.  For example: soiled/dirty utensils/plates, cutting boards, and inside of refrigerators/coolers.
• Food poisoning – Illness caused by eating contaminated food, can be caused by infections organisms – including bacteria, viruses and parasites – or their toxins.
• Pests –an insect or other small animal that harms or destroys garden plants, trees or may cause illness to humans or other animals. For example: roaches, rats, droppings, insects, gnats, drain-flies, etc.
• Food Source – Location where food was prepared.
• Hygienic Practices – conditions or practices (as of cleanliness) conducive to health. Heath violations would include: Employees not wearing hairnets, handling food without washing hands, no soap available, dirty aprons or clothing.