Report A Restaurant: Breaking The Law, What To Do?

If you witness a restaurant breaking the law, you can file a complaint or report the issue to the relevant authorities. The specific process may vary depending on your location and the nature of the violation. For example, in Los Angeles County, you can report unsanitary conditions or code violations by calling the Environmental Health Hotline or filing a complaint online. In Texas, you can file a complaint against a retail food establishment by following the instructions provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Additionally, if you experience a problem with a food product, you can contact the appropriate public health organization, such as the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important to provide detailed information when reporting violations to ensure that appropriate action can be taken.

Reporting a restaurant with no public health permit

If you are concerned about a restaurant's lack of public health permit, you can take the following steps to report it:

First, gather any relevant information and evidence. This may include the name and location of the restaurant, the date and time of your visit, and any specific details or observations related to the absence of a public health permit.

In Los Angeles County, you can report a restaurant without a proper public health permit by calling the Environmental Health Hotline at (888) 700-9995 or by filing a complaint online.

In Texas, you can file a complaint against a retail food establishment by visiting the Texas Department of State Health Services website for detailed instructions. You can also contact their office by phone at (512) 834-6665 or by email at foodestablishments@dshs.texas.gov.

In New York, general complaints about a restaurant or food vendor are handled by the local health department responsible for the area where the restaurant is located. You can contact the local health department to file a complaint.

Additionally, you can contact your city, county, or state Health Department to report concerns about restaurant food safety. They are responsible for investigating and addressing such issues.

When reporting, be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the restaurant's location, the specific issue (lack of public health permit), and any other relevant information. You can also suggest that the restaurant be inspected to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

It is important to note that the specific procedures for reporting a restaurant without a public health permit may vary depending on your location. Always refer to the guidelines provided by your local or state health department.

How to report a restaurant for foodborne illness

If you suspect that a restaurant's food has made you ill, you should contact your doctor and your local health department. The health department will investigate the complaint.

In Austin, Texas, you can fill out an online survey or call 512-972-5555 to report a foodborne illness. It is recommended that you provide as much detail as possible, including the name and address of the restaurant, dates and times of meals, a description of the food eaten, and the names and contact information of others in your dining party.

If you have a problem with a food product, you should contact the relevant public health organization. For issues with meat, poultry, and egg products, you can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or submit a complaint online. For non-meat food products, you can contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through their Safety Reporting Portal.

Reporting a restaurant for unsanitary conditions

If you wish to report a restaurant for unsanitary conditions, you can do so by contacting your local health department. This can be done by phone or email. In some states, you can also report anonymously on the state health/inspections website.

When reporting, it is important to provide as much detail as possible. This includes the name and location of the restaurant, the date and time of your visit, and a detailed description of the unsanitary conditions you witnessed. If you have any photos or other evidence to support your claim, be sure to include those as well.

You may also want to consider blocking your phone number when calling to report, or having a friend call on your behalf, to protect your identity.

It is important to note that different kinds of compliance actions may be taken depending on the severity of the violation, the history of previous violations, and other factors related to the case. These actions are taken to protect the health and safety of citizens.

If you believe that you have become ill due to consuming contaminated food at a restaurant, it is important to contact your doctor and your local health department. This helps them identify potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses and take action to prevent others from getting sick.

• For issues with meat, poultry, or processed egg products, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or report the issue online.
• For issues with non-meat food products, contact the FDA Safety Reporting Portal or call their main emergency number at 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366).

What to do if you find a foreign object in your food

If you find a foreign object in your food, it is important to take the right steps to ensure your health and safety, and to preserve any evidence should you wish to take legal action. Here is a guide on what to do:

Notify Management:

If you are dining in a restaurant or had takeout, immediately call or ask to speak to a manager. Inform them of the situation and your concerns. Get the name and contact information of the manager you speak to.

Document the Incident:

Take photographs of the foreign object in your food, as well as close-ups of the object itself. Also, take pictures of the restaurant menu, receipt, or any other documentation that can establish where the food came from. Write down everything the manager said, including any apologies or excuses offered.

Seek Medical Attention:

If you have suffered any injuries, such as a broken tooth or cuts in your mouth, seek immediate medical attention. Inform your healthcare provider of the incident, including when, where, and how you were injured. Request copies of your medical records and bills related to the evaluation and treatment.

Preserve the Evidence:

Place the food with the foreign object inside in a safe container and store it in your freezer. Keep the original packaging and receipt. If the foreign object was in packaged food purchased for home consumption, save the can, box, or any other packaging, along with your grocery receipt.

Contact the Authorities:

Get in touch with your local health department or Environmental Health department. They can guide you on the next steps and may want to independently test the specimen. If an offence has been committed and there is sufficient evidence, they may consider formal action, such as issuing a Formal Caution or legal proceedings.

Contact an Attorney:

If you have suffered serious injuries or wish to pursue legal action, contact a personal injury attorney for advice. They can review your case for free and guide you through the process. Proving liability in these cases can be challenging, and having strong evidence is crucial.

Seek Compensation:

If you decide to seek compensation for your injuries, you may need to demonstrate that the food product contained a foreign object, that it was the direct cause of your injuries, and that you have measurable damages. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

It is important to act promptly and preserve as much evidence as possible when dealing with foreign objects in food. Your health and safety are paramount, so be sure to seek medical attention as needed and follow the recommended steps to protect your well-being and legal rights.

Reporting a restaurant for violating health and safety laws

If you believe a restaurant is violating health and safety laws, you can file a complaint with the relevant local health department. The health department will investigate the issue.

In Los Angeles, for example, you can report a restaurant for lacking a proper public health permit, unsanitary conditions, or code violations by calling the Environmental Health Hotline at (888) 700-9995 or by filing a complaint online.

In Texas, you can file a complaint against a Retail Food Establishment by following the instructions on the Texas DSHS website.

In New York, the local health department investigates complaints about food service establishments in the area where the restaurant is located.

If you have a problem with a food product, separate government agencies are responsible for protecting different segments of the food supply. For help with meat, poultry, and egg products, you can call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or report the complaint online. For complaints about non-meat food products, you can contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through their FDA Safety Reporting Portal.

Frequently asked questions