Reporting a Public or Environmental Health Code Violation

Many people contact MAHB with complaints about a restaurant, hotel, campground, hair salon or other business which they believe is in violation of state and/or local sanitary codes. MAHB is a non-profit organization with no legal authority to inspect facilities or issue compliance orders. If you have reached this site in search of such information, please read the information below. Boards of Health receive complaints about Sanitary Code Violations, and responding to citizen and annonymous complaints is part of their scope of service.

Lodging a Complaint
1. You should contact the board of health in the city or town where the problem or violation occurred. MAHB maintains a free online directory of Massachusetts Boards of Health.
2. Be as specific as possible about the problem.
3. Include all relevant details, including whenever possible, dates, times and locations.
4. If you make an annonymous complaint, remember that the board may not be able to reach you for additional information.

Food Poisoning:
If you or your doctor suspect food poisoning, it is important to contact your local board of health as soon as possible, and provide information including the time of onset, duration of symptoms, and associated food. Food Poisoning cannot be considered a confirmed diagnosis without clinical specimens. Even if you did not seek medical care, you can still file a complaint with the local board of health, which should investigate any complaint that appears valid, even if it is anonymous. (although this is not encouraged, as it makes it difficult to judge validity or make a follow up inquiry).

Landlord / Tenant or other Housing Issues:
Here is a brief summary of the Board of Health or City Health Department Responsibilities in this area:
1. Conduct housing inspections upon request to determine if violations of the State Sanitary Code exist.
2. Report findings of the inspection to the property owner and tenant, and issue orders to correct the violations
3. Afford the property owner a hearing with the board of health and initiate judicial proceedings if the property owner fails to obey the order.
4. Conduct a reinspection at the property and issue a compliance letter if all violations are remedied.

For more information about Landlord and Tenant Rights, contact the MA Office of Consumers Affairs

Nuisances and Noisome Trades
The local board of health is responsible for the assignment of sites for the operation of noisome trades within their community and to hold hearings prior to assignment as part of this process. The BOH must conduct inspections of nuisances such as sources of filth and sickness and conduct appropriate enforcement actions to eliminate the nuisance. (note: the word "nuisance" in this context is more narrowly defined than general usage).