Food Recall Response Checklist for Dallas Food Service

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

Upon learning of a recall affecting your facility, immediately isolate and quarantine all recalled products—do not use, serve, or dispose of them without health department approval. Contact the Dallas Health and Human Services Department (HHS) at their environmental health division and notify your supplier or distributor for details on the recall scope, affected lot codes, and distribution dates. Document the exact time you received the recall notification and began product removal. Identify all menu items, prep stations, and storage areas where the recalled ingredient or product was used or stored. Brief your food safety team on the recall and assign responsibility for each removal task—Dallas inspectors will verify employee knowledge during follow-up inspections.

Documentation & Traceability Requirements

Texas DSHS and Dallas HHS require detailed records showing what recalled products were received, when they arrived, where they were stored, and proof of removal or destruction. Maintain receiving invoices, purchase orders, and lot/batch numbers for all affected items. Create a written statement listing all recalled products removed, the quantity destroyed or returned, the date of removal, and the method of disposal (incineration, authorized waste removal, or return to supplier). Keep records of customer notifications if the recalled product was served or sold before removal—include names, contact information, and dates of service. Take photographs of the quarantine area and removal process. Dallas health inspectors specifically look for this documentation during complaint investigations and routine inspections related to recall response.

Verification & Compliance Follow-Up

Conduct a thorough facility inspection after product removal to ensure no recalled items remain in storage, walk-in units, freezers, prep areas, or reach-in coolers. Verify that all staff understand which products were recalled and how to identify similar items in the future. Document that surfaces where recalled products were stored or prepared have been cleaned and sanitized according to your facility's standard operating procedures. File a written response with Dallas HHS confirming completion of all recall-related corrective actions, including dates and methods used. The Dallas health department may conduct a follow-up inspection to verify your response; non-compliance or incomplete removal can result in violations cited under Title 25 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §229.1 (Food Establishment Standards). Keep all recall documentation for a minimum of two years for state and federal review.

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