Berkeley is one of only four cities in the state to run a food inspection program separate from its county, but some government leaders appear open to changing that after a scathing audit revealed the extent of the independent program’s woes.

The city’s Environmental Health Division only completed 29% of its required inspections for restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, catering services and similar food facilities in 2023. Nearly half were never inspected at all, compared to just 3% for the rest of Alameda County, Berkeley City Auditor Jenny Wong’s office reported.

Continue reading for free

Sign in to read this story and receive the weekly roundup in your inbox.

Or

Terms & Conditions

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.

Riley is an intern at Bay City News through the Dow Jones News Fund. She is a rising senior at the UC Berkeley, where she studies political science and journalism. Previously, she was the university news editor at her student newspaper The Daily Californian, overseeing coverage of student government elections, a new chancellor and the Gaza solidarity encampment. She enjoys reporting on politics, housing and homelessness — and using as many em dashes as her editors will allow.