Investigating Complaints About Food

The Health Department receives and investigates complaints concerning retail food service establishments (such as restaurants, grocery stores and taverns) located in Cowlitz County. 

Not all food complaints are investigated by the Cowlitz County Health Department.  Depending upon the complaint and where the food is processed, a complaint may be received and investigated by other agencies, such as the Food & Drug Administration, Washington State Department of Agriculture or United States Department of Agriculture.

Cowlitz County receives and responds to nearly 120 food or food establishment complaints annually.  Complaints that have been investigated in the recent past include: the presence of flies, rodents, cockroaches or other vermin; employees without health cards; the presence of dogs, birds or other pets; improper preparation of food; foods not hot enough; foods not cold enough; bare hand contact with food; undated food items; and unsanitary conditions such as dirty floors and walls.

Upon receipt of a complaint, an environmental health professional contacts the facility (either by phone, mail or in person), verifies the complaint if possible and provides steps to erase the problem that generated the complaint.

Related Health Department Web Links

• Food Establishment Permits

• Restaurant Inspection Reports

• Food-borne Illness

• Food Handler Testing

• Food Service Inspections

• Hepatitis A

• Temporary Food Permits

• Consumer Food Safety

Related Outside  Websites

• Reporting Food Illness and Complaints (USDA)

• How to report food complaints about FDA regulated products

• Food Safety Program (DOH)

• Reporting Complaints About Smoking in Public Places

What services do environmental health professionals provide for Cowlitz County?  

• Investigation and resolution of food or food establishment complaints.

• Inspection of facility where food complaints originated. 

• Education and enforcement of food safety regulations.

To Make a Complaint

There are three ways to lodge a food complaint: 

1. You may call the Health Department directly (360-414-5599)

2. Visit the Health Department in person at 1952 9th Avenue in Longview.

3. Fill out a complaint form online Questions, Services or Complaint Form.

You will be asked for the following information: 

• The nature of the complaint.

•  Name and location of the place where the incident occurred. 

•  When the incident occurred or was observed (date and approximate time).

•  Your name and phone number.