Audit Exposes Dangerous Lapses in Vermont’s Food and Lodging Inspections—Is Public Safety at Risk?

Recent findings by the Office of the State Auditor have uncovered serious deficiencies in how the Vermont Department of Health manages complaints against food and lodging establishments. At a time when American families deserve swift and effective government action to protect their health, these bureaucratic failures highlight a troubling disregard for public safety.How Can Vermonters Trust a System That Misses Deadlines on Serious Health Complaints?The audit zeroed in on the department’s Food and Lodging program, responsible for inspecting over 6,000 establishments statewide. Of the 1,081 complaints received between 2022 and 2024—including allegations of bed bug infestations, unsanitary conditions, and contaminated...