Health Inspections & Foods

Program Goal

The goal of the Foods Division is to ensure that the food being sold and served within our city is safe, wholesome, properly labeled, properly advertised and is produced under sanitary conditions. 

Our Foods Division is responsible for the regulation of food at numerous establishments, swimming pools, foster homes and other facilities that pertain to sanitation within our jurisdiction.

Facility Inspections


Food facilities that are inspected include the following:
  • Restaurants
  • Markets
  • Bakeries
  • Bars
  • Hospital cafeterias
  • Mobile food vehicles
  • Flea market stands
  • Public/Private schools
  • Daycares
  • Deli's
  • Tortillerias
  • Fruit stands
  • Packaged food vendors
  • Nursing homes
  • Farmers market
  • Foster homes
  • Meat markets
  • Seafood vendors
  • Raspa/Ice-cream stands
  • Public cafeterias
  • Catering services
  • And all other food vendors

Brownsville Public Health Department Food Inspection Program


  • Enforces state and local food safety regulations in over 2,000 food facilities in the city.
  • Enforces city ordinances against illegal vendors.
  • Licenses and inspects mobile food units (hot foods).
  • Regulates food operators at outdoor special events.
  • Licenses an inspects any and all businesses vending consumable products.
  • Focuses on the education of food handlers and food operators.
  • Stresses prevention of foodborne illnesses during routine inspections.