Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery

1644 Federal Rd, Houston, TX 77015
Grocery / Market
Last inspected: Aug 7, 2025
70
Score
Medium Risk

The health department has logged five inspections at Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery, the earliest from 2024. Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery was last inspected on Aug 7, 2025. A medium risk score generally means inspectors found things to fix, though most weren't urgent.

Compared to the prior visit, the count dropped from 11 violations to seven.

Restaurants in Houston average 87, so Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery trails the local norm. On the whole, the file is mixed but not concerning.

5
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
7
Minor latest
Inspection History
Aug 7, 2025
Reinspection (002)
7 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
General. container of food not stored a minimum of 6 inches above the floor.
20-21.03(a)(02)
General. containers of food stored on dollies / racks / pallets that are not easily moveable.
20-21.03(a)(02)b
Dispensing utensils used only for non-time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) foods (such as ice) not stored in a clean protected location. (corrected on site)
20-21.05(f)(02)
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
Wiping cloths. moist cloths used for wiping food spills on kitchenware and food-contact surfaces of equipment not clean / not rinsed frequently in one of the sanitizing solutions permitted in section 20-21.12(e)(02) through (06) of this code / used for no other purpose. these cloths shall be stored in the sanitizing solution between uses.
20-21.11(c)(02)
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(a)(07)
Openings. openings to the outside not effectively protected against the entrance of rodents.
20-21.21(b)
70
Apr 15, 2025
Reinspection (002)
15 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 15 violations
General. food not in sound condition / safe for human consumption / free from spoilage, filth, other contaminants. food prepared in or obtained from an unlicensed private home or other unlicensed food establishment is considered to be from an unapproved source and may not be used or offered for sale for human consumption in or from a food establishment. (corrected on site)
20-21.01(a)
General. washed / cooked food being stored before service, not protected against cross-contamination from food requiring washing / cooking. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(a)(04)
Refrigerated storage. methods for rapid cooling. approved methods for rapid cooling not utilized. (corrected on site)
20-21.03(b)(03)
General. raw / prepared food removed from original containers / packages being stored in unclean containers / being stored in uncovered containers..
20-21.03(a)(01)
Refrigerated storage. date marking of ready to eat foods. refrigerated / ready to eat time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food/portion of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food combined with additional ingredients / portions of food not retaining date marking of the earliest prepared / first-prepared ingredient.
20-21.03(b)(10)b
General. using shipping containers / milk / produce crates as storage racks / support shelves.
20-21.03(a)(02)c
Materials; general. single-service and single-use articles not made from clean, sanitary, safe materials. materials that are used in the construction of utensils and food-contact surfaces of equipment and single-service and single-use articles allowing the migration of deleterious substances, or imparting odors, color, or taste to, or contributing to the contamination of food under normal use conditions.
20-21.10(a)
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(a)(07)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cleaned in equipment such as ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment at a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. this subsection does not apply when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in subitems a and b of this item. (corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
Toilet fixtures. toilet fixture not kept clean / not in good repair.
20-21.18(d)
Containers. containers stored outside the establishment / dumpsters / compactors / compactor systems / receptacles / waste handling units for refuse / recyclables / and returnables not provided with tight-fitting lids / doors / covers, not kept covered when not in actual use. in containers designed with drains, drain plugs shall be in place at all times, except during cleaning.
20-21.20(a)(03)
Openings. outside openings not protected against the entrance of insects by filling or closing holes and other gaps along floors / walls / ceilings / tight-fitting, self-closing doors, kept closed / closed windows / screening / properly designed and installed air curtains to control flying insects / other means.
20-21.21(b)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be maintained in good repair.
20-21.22(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
47
Jan 8, 2025
Reinspection (002)
7 minor violations. 4 corrected on site.
View 7 violations
General. food not in sound condition / safe for human consumption / free from spoilage, filth, other contaminants. food prepared in or obtained from an unlicensed private home or other unlicensed food establishment is considered to be from an unapproved source and may not be used or offered for sale for human consumption in or from a food establishment. (corrected on site)
20-21.01(a)
General. the internal temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not maintained at 41°f (05°c) or below or 135°f (57°c) or above at all times, except as otherwise provided in this article or unless a packaged product is so labeled as exempted and approved by the appropriate state or federal health authority. (corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(01)
General. protection from unapproved additives. food not protected from contamination that may result from the addition of, as specified in section 20-21.01(a) of this code from unsafe or unapproved food or color additives; and unsafe or unapproved levels of approved food or color additives. (corrected on site)
20-21.02(a)(03)a
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
Cleaning frequency. dry cleaning. surfaces of utensils and equipment contacting food that is not time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food not cleaned in equipment such as ice bins, beverage dispensing nozzles, enclosed components of equipment such as ice makers, cooking oil storage tanks and distribution lines, beverage and syrup dispensing lines or tubes, coffee bean grinders, and water vending equipment at a frequency specified by the manufacturer; or absent manufacturer specifications, at a frequency necessary to preclude accumulation of soil or mold. this subsection does not apply when dry cleaning methods are used as specified in subitems a and b of this item. (corrected on site)
20-21.11(a)(08)c[04]
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(a)(07)
Hand-washing sink supplies. supply of hand-cleansing liquid / powder / bar soap not available at each hand-washing sink or group of two adjacent hand-washing sinks.
20-21.19(c)
70
Jul 5, 2024
Reinspection (002)
10 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 10 violations
General. food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with operations of the establishment not kept free of litter and items that are unnecessary to the operation or maintenance of the establishment, such as equipment that is nonfunctional or no longer in use.
20-21.28(a)(01)
Sanitation poster not conspicuously posted in area accessible to all employees / not conforming to all requirements.
20-26(c)
Temperature measuring device, food. no temperature measuring device provided to assure attainment / maintenance of proper internal / holding refrigerated temperature of time/temperature controlled for safety (tcs) food.
20-21.04(i)
Bulk food display, service. the sale of unpackaged food that is displayed and sold in bulk from a self-service container is authorized, provided that the self-service container has a tight-fitting lid that is securely attached to the container and kept closed except during service or refill; the container, lid and any other utensil are constructed of nontoxic materials that provide for easy cleaning and proper repair; a utensil equipped with a handle is provided and used for dispensing of food; and a conspicuous sign instructing the customer on the proper dispensing procedure is posted in the immediate display area.
20-21.05(i)(01)
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(a)(07)
Single-service articles. single-service and single-use articles not handled / displayed / dispensed in a manner that prevents contamination of surfaces that may come in contact with food or with the mouth of the user. (corrected on site)
20-21.14(c)(02)
Toilet room. toilet room not provided with tight-fitting / self-closing / solid doors, which shall be closed except during cleaning or maintenance except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall or stadium-type facilities.
20-21.18(c)
Floors. floors and floor coverings of all food preparation, food storage, utensil-washing areas, walk-in refrigerating units, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and toilet rooms shall be kept clean.
20-21.22(a)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
61
Feb 21, 2024
Routine Inspection (001)
9 minor violations. 1 corrected on site.
View 9 violations
Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc. operating a food service / processing establishment not conforming to requirements of article ii.
20-19(b)
Applicability of article; compliance; penalty for violation; variances, etc. permit holder / person in charge of the food establishment / mobile food unit not in compliance in accordance with provisions of article ii concerning food storage / food preparation / food display / training of employees in basic food safety principles including allergy awareness / not ensuring that food and conditional employees are informed of their responsibility to report information regarding health and activities as they relate to diseases that are transmissible through food / not ensuring written procedures and plans are developed by the food establishment are maintained / implemented. (corrected on site)
20-19(d)
General. using shipping containers / milk / produce crates as storage racks / support shelves.
20-21.03(a)(02)c
Materials; general. multi-use equipment and utensils not designed, constructed and repaired with safe materials, including finishing materials / not corrosion-resistant and nonabsorbent / not smooth, easily cleanable and durable under conditions of normal use.
20-21.10(a)
Cleaning frequency. nonfood-contact surfaces of equipment not cleaned as often as is necessary to keep the equipment free of accumulation of dust, dirt, food particles, and other debris.
20-21.11(a)(07)
Single-service articles. single-service and single-use articles not stored at least six inches (15 cm) above the floor on dollies / pallets / racks / skids designed as specified under section 20-21.03(a)2b of this code / not kept in closed cartons that protect them from contamination, except for automatic fire protection sprinkler heads that may be required by law.
20-21.14(c)(01)
Toilet room. toilet room not provided with tight-fitting / self-closing / solid doors, which shall be closed except during cleaning or maintenance except that this requirement does not apply to a toilet room that is located outside a food establishment and does not open directly into the food establishment such as a toilet room that is provided by the management of a shopping mall or stadium-type facilities.
20-21.18(c)
Hand-washing sink supplies. hand-washing sink or group of adjacent hand-washing sinks not provided with individual, disposable towels / a continuous towel system that supplies the user with a clean towel / a hand-drying device providing heated air or a hand-drying device that employs an air-knife system that delivers high velocity, pressurized air at ambient temperatures.
20-21.19(c)
Maintenance. walls / ceilings, including doors, windows, skylights, and similar closures, not maintained in good repair.
20-21.23(a)
64

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery on file is from Aug 7, 2025. The public record contains five inspections in total.

How does Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery compare to other restaurants in Houston?

Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery most recently scored 70 out of 100, which is lower than the Houston average of 87.

Has Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery's inspection record improved over time?

Yes. Recent inspections at Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery have turned up fewer violations than earlier ones, with the latest finding around seven violations compared to about 11 previously.

What does a medium risk rating mean?

A medium risk rating at Federal Food Store / Tip Top Grocery means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.