Romaine Lettuce Inspection Violations in San Antonio

Temperature Control Violations

San Antonio inspectors enforce Texas Health and Safety Code § 431.189, which requires leafy greens like romaine to be maintained at 41°F or below. Violations occur when walk-in coolers malfunction, thermometers are missing or inaccurate, or produce sits at room temperature during prep. The City of San Antonio Department of Health Services documents these temperature lapses in inspection reports, particularly when romaine is left exposed during service lines or improperly stored in warmer sections of refrigeration units. Corrective action typically requires immediate discarding of non-compliant produce and equipment repair documentation.

Cross-Contamination and Storage Issues

Raw romaine lettuce must be physically separated from ready-to-eat foods and raw proteins to prevent pathogenic transfer—a requirement outlined in the FDA Food Code adopted by Texas. San Antonio inspectors find violations when romaine shares shelf space with raw meat, poultry, or seafood, or when cutting boards used for romaine contact contaminated surfaces without washing. Improper storage in crisper drawers alongside dripping raw proteins, or stacking heavy items on top of delicate greens, also triggers citations. Many violations stem from inadequate labeling (date and source information missing) and failure to use First-In-First-Out (FIFO) rotation, allowing older, potentially compromised produce to remain in service.

How San Antonio Inspectors Assess Romaine Handling

Health inspectors conducting routine and complaint-driven inspections in San Antonio observe romaine handling from delivery through service, checking supplier documentation, temperature logs, and employee practices. They verify that produce comes from approved sources and inspect for visible wilting, discoloration, or slime—signs of bacterial growth or poor storage. Inspectors also evaluate hand-washing protocols, utensil sanitization, and whether staff members follow allergen and cross-contact procedures. Citations are typically recorded on San Antonio health inspection forms with severity levels (critical vs. non-critical), and violations must be corrected within specified timeframes or the establishment risks closure.

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