Arlington, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its exciting culinary scene. From cozy family diners to bustling restaurants, the variety of food in Arlington TX caters to every palate. Ensuring the safety and quality of this food is paramount, and Arlington takes food safety seriously. If you’re a resident, visitor, or food business operator in Arlington, understanding local food safety regulations is crucial. This guide provides essential information about food safety awareness, inspection scores, and resources available in Arlington, TX, to help you navigate the local food landscape with confidence.
Arlington TX Food Businesses and Allergen Awareness: What You Need to Know
A significant update for food establishments in Arlington is the implementation of Texas Senate Bill 812, which came into effect on September 1, 2023. This law mandates that all food establishments must prominently display a Food Allergen Awareness Poster. This is a vital step to protect individuals with food allergies and ensure a safer dining environment throughout Arlington. Food establishment permit holders in Arlington have until September 1, 2024, to fully comply with this requirement.
To assist Arlington businesses in meeting this new legal obligation, the city provides readily accessible resources. Food establishments can download and print the required Food Allergen Awareness Poster in multiple languages to best suit their employee needs. These posters are available through the City of Arlington’s official website. Alternatively, you can request a poster directly from your Health Inspector or pick one up in person at the Planning and Development Services Department, Health Services Division, located at City Hall (101 W. Abram St., 2nd floor, Arlington, Texas 76010).
Food Allergen Awareness Poster in English, as required for display in Arlington TX food establishments.
Understanding Arlington TX Food Establishment Inspection Scores
Transparency in food safety is key. Arlington provides public access to Food Establishment Inspection Scores. This online resource allows residents and visitors to check the inspection scores of various food businesses in Arlington. The database includes facility names (alphabetically ordered), locations, inventory descriptions, last inspection dates, service descriptions, and the inspection scores themselves.
Navigating the Food Establishment Scores is straightforward. On the webpage, you can utilize the filter icons located at the top of each column to search for specific establishments by name or property address. This user-friendly tool empowers the public to make informed decisions about where they choose to dine in Arlington.
The City of Arlington Health Division conducts routine inspections of all food establishments, including restaurants, childcare kitchens, convenience stores, and grocery stores, at least once a year. These inspections are based on the stringent criteria outlined in the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) and the City of Arlington Health and Sanitation Ordinance Article IV.
It’s important to understand the scoring system used in Arlington food inspections. A score of 100 represents a perfect score, indicating exemplary food safety practices. Conversely, a score of 70 or below is considered extremely poor, signaling significant issues that require immediate attention.
Establishments receiving a score of 75 or less will undergo a scored reinspection to ensure necessary improvements are made. Even establishments scoring 76 or higher may receive an unscored follow-up inspection if critical violations are identified during the initial inspection. This follow-up ensures that these critical issues are promptly corrected and food safety standards are maintained.
In cases of serious health and sanitation violations posing an imminent health hazard, the City of Arlington Health Division has the authority to close down the establishment until the hazardous conditions are fully addressed and mitigated. It is crucial to note that Change of Ownership and Complaint Inspections do not result in a numerical score but are conducted to ensure compliance and address concerns.
Reporting Food Safety Concerns in Arlington TX
If you have a food safety concern regarding a food establishment in Arlington, reporting it is easy. You can contact the Action Center by phone at 817-459-6777 or directly reach Health Services at 817-459-6693. For online reporting or to submit an open records request, visit the City of Arlington’s Action Center website. For mobile convenience, the Ask Arlington app allows you to submit complaints directly from your smartphone.
For any further inquiries or additional information regarding food safety in Arlington, please contact Health Services directly:
Planning and Development Services: Health Services
101 W Abram Street, 2nd floor
PO Box 90231, Mail Stop 01-0241
Arlington, Texas 76004-3231
Telephone: 817-459-6693
Additional Food Safety Resources for Arlington TX Businesses
Arlington provides a comprehensive suite of resources to support food businesses in maintaining the highest standards of food safety. These resources cover various aspects of food safety management, from hazard control to staff certification.
HACCP and Variance
For businesses implementing specific food processes, understanding Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) is crucial. Arlington provides access to a Hazards Analysis & Critical Control Check Points (HACCP) Plan Review Checklist from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This checklist serves as a valuable guide for developing and reviewing HACCP plans, ensuring systematic prevention of food safety hazards.
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFM)
Since January 20, 2010, Arlington mandates that every food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFM) present during all operating hours. This CFM is responsible for overseeing food preparation and service to ensure safe practices are consistently followed. Certification is obtained by passing a Texas DSHS-approved exam, valid for five years. Information on certification programs, test sites, and online exam providers can be found at the Texas Department of State Health Services -Certified Food Manager (CFM) Program.
Food Recalls and Guidelines
Staying informed about food recalls is essential for protecting consumers. Arlington businesses and residents can access recall information from leading national agencies:
Furthermore, adhering to established Food Codes and Guidelines is fundamental for safe food handling and preparation.
Plan Review for New or Remodeled Establishments
Any new or remodeled food establishment in Arlington must undergo a plan review process to ensure compliance with building and health codes. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required before applying for a health permit. Applications for commercial building permits and COs are managed online through ArlingtonPermits.com. For additional information on plan reviews, contact Planning and Development Services at City Hall (101 W. Abram St., 2nd floor) or by phone at 817-459-6502.
By utilizing these resources and staying informed about food safety regulations, Arlington TX food businesses can thrive while ensuring the health and well-being of their customers, contributing to a safe and enjoyable dining experience for everyone in Arlington. For further assistance, contact Aimee Rockhill-Carpenter, RS, Health Services Manager, by email or at 817-459-6656.
