Inspects public facilities such as schools and water recreation facilities (pools and spas). Plans, reviews and inspects certain commercial facilities (massage parlors, tattoo parlors and public bathhouses).

Provides routine inspection of food service establishments such as restaurants, grocery stores, taverns and ice cream vendors. Responds to citizens' complaints and has enforcement authority. Also inspects and certifies red meats, fish and poultry. Investigates consumer fraud through misrepresentation in product advertising, improper dating or pricing, etc.

Food Service Inspections offered by Public Health in Seattle & King County's Environmental Health Services

Inspects food service establishments and responds to citizen complaints about unsafe food practices. Provides education to businesses on proper food handling and storage. Inspection records posted online.

Programs that enforce food handling and dispensing laws and regulations by regularly inspecting restaurants, food stands, mobile food vehicles and carts (e.g., lunch trucks, ice cream trucks, produce carts), summer food service sites, congregate meal sites, employee on-site feeding operations, catering services, food sampling booths, wholesale food processing and manufacturing plants, markets, bakeries and food vending machines for health hazards; consulting with food facilities regarding improved food handling practices; and issuing citations and fines to establishments that have failed to comply with prescribed health practices and regulations. The program also provides information about requirements for retail food establishments, restaurant ratings and a list of establishments that have been closed because of health violations.

Restaurant/Food Sanitation

Programs that accept and, where possible, attempt to resolve complaints regarding the purity, safety, wholesomeness, packaging, weighing, labeling or other problems with meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, produce, packaged foodstuffs or other food products. Included are complaints regarding food contamination, discoloration or adulteration; pesticide residues; false grading or marking; misbranding; content or quantity labeling errors; or other deceptive packaging or labeling practices. Also included are programs that accept and manage complaints about pet food and animal feed.

Food Complaints

Programs that establish and enforce health and safety standards for restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food to the public, review applications for licenses, issue or deny licenses, inspect facilities for compliance with standards and/or revoke licenses or take disciplinary action for noncompliance.