Contents
If you have a concern or complaint about a health care facility in New York State, you can file a complaint with the Health Department.
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Introduction
If you have a problem with a restaurant, you can file a complaint with the health department. Health departments inspect restaurants and investigate complaints. If they find a violation, they will give the restaurant a chance to correct the problem. If the restaurant does not correct the problem, the health department may issue a citation or fine, or close the restaurant.
Before you file a complaint, you should first try to resolve the problem with the restaurant. Many times, restaurants are not aware of a problem and will be happy to correct it. For example, if you find hair in your food, you should first tell the manager so that they can address the issue with their employees. If you have already done this and were not satisfied with the response, then you can file a formal complaint.
To file a formal complaint with the health department, you will need to provide your name, contact information, and details about the problem. You may also be asked to provide witnesses or other supporting documentation. The health department will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action if they find that there is a violation.
What is the Health Department?
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the U.S. government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. HHS works closely with state and local governments, as well as tribes and other partners, to improve the health and well-being of all Americans. The HHS mission is to enhance the health and well-being of Americans by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services.
What is a Complaint?
A complaint is a written or verbal statement from a person or group that alleges that the health department has failed to comply with a requirement of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Title 5, Chapter 100 (the “Chapter”). The complaint must be signed by the person making the allegation, and it must allege a violation that occurred within the past year.
Who Can File a Complaint?
Anyone can file a complaint with the health department. You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen, and you don’t have to live in the state where the problem occurred.
How to File a Complaint
If you have been the victim of a foodborne illness or if you witness an act of food contamination, you can file a complaint with your local health department. The health department will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.
To file a complaint, you will need to provide the following information:
-Your name, address and phone number
-The name and address of the restaurant where you became ill or where you witnessed the act of contamination
-A description of what happened
-The date when the incident occurred
-The names of any other people who became ill
If you have any questions or need assistance in filing a complaint, you can contact your local health department.
What Happens After a Complaint is Filed?
What Happens After a Complaint is Filed?
If your complaint is about a restaurant, food cart, or other food service establishment, the health department will send an inspector to do an on-site investigation. The inspector will talk to the owner or manager about your complaint and look for any evidence of health code violations. If the inspector finds evidence of violations, the establishment will be given a chance to correct the problem.
In some cases, the inspector may feel that the violation is serious enough to warrant an immediate closure of the establishment. This could happen if there is an imminent health hazard, such as no hot water available for handwashing or evidence of rat infestation.
If you have filed a complaint about another type of business (for example, a nail salon or massage parlor), the health department will investigate to determine if there are any health code violations. If violations are found, the business will be given a chance to correct the problem.
The identity of the person who filed the complaint will be kept confidential.
Investigation of the Complaint
If you are experiencing a problem with a restaurant, you may want to file a complaint with the health department. The health department will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
To file a complaint, you will need to provide the following information:
-Your name, address and telephone number
-The name, address and telephone number of the restaurant
-A description of the problem you are experiencing
-The date(s) on which the problem occurred
The health department will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action.
Results of the Investigation
If the inspection report indicates that violations were found, the establishment will be given a chance to correct them. If they are not corrected, or if the establishment does not make an effort to correct them, the health department may take one or more of the following actions:
-Send a notice of violation
-Issue a fine
-Close the establishment
What if I am Not Satisfied With the Results of the Investigation?
If you are not satisfied with the results of the investigation, you may file a written complaint with the Health Department.
Conclusion
If you have a complaint about a food-related issue, you can contact your local health department. They will investigate your complaint and take appropriate action. You can also file a complaint online with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
