(a) The director may enter premises or vehicles regulated by this article at all reasonable times, whenever it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this article or other laws regulating food, to inspect permits, certificates and other records required by this article and state and federal laws regulating food, to collect samples of food and other substances as may be necessary for the detection of unwholesomeness or adulteration, or whenever probable cause exists to believe that a violation of this article or other laws regulating food exists thereon.
(b) The director shall first present credentials and demand entry if the premises are occupied. If the premises are unoccupied, the director shall first make a reasonable attempt to locate the owner, operator or other person in control of the premises and demand entry.
(c) If entry is denied or if a person in control cannot be located, the director shall have every recourse provided by law to secure entry, including obtaining a search warrant under the guidelines of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
(Ord. 12553, § 1, passed 6-18-1996)