The Texas Cottage Food Law allows individuals to sell certain non-perishable foods made in home kitchens, without having to get apply for a food permit with WCCHD.
DSHS - Cottage Food Production Operations
25 TAC §229.661 - Cottage Food Production Operations
Visit TexasCottageFoodLaw.com for additional information.
WCCHD requires certain food vendors that are participating in farmers markets to obtain a Farmers Market Permit and Farmers Market Permit - EGG ONLY.
One permit allows participation in all Farmers Markets in the jurisdiction of WCCHD.
PERMITS:
Farmers Market Permit
MORE INFO:
WCCHD - Farmers Market Order NO 2014-001
Farmers’ Markets Rules, TAC 25, §229.701-704.
For more in-depth information, visit Texas Department of State Health Services for more information about regulations for farmer's markets.
A retail fixed food establishment is any place where food is prepared and intended for individual portion service. This includes the site at which individual portions are provided for consumption on or off the premises and regardless of whether there is a charge for the food.
Bed and breakfasts with more than seven rooms, restaurants, bars, cafes, snack bars, hospitals that serve food to the general public, correctional facilities (jails) that contract with professional food management corporations for food preparation, and privately-owned correctional facilities are all considered to be retail food establishments.
A retail food store is a food establishment or section of an establishment where food and food products are offered to the consumer and intended for off-premise consumption. This includes delicatessens that offer prepared food in bulk quantities only, grocery stores, markets, etc.
Catering Permits fall under fixed food establishments permits.
PERMITS:
Fixed Food Establishment Permit Application
Plan Review Application
MORE INFO:
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas Food Establishment Rules
WCCHD requires food vendors that are participating in temporary events to obtain a temporary food establishment (TFE) permit.
A temporary food establishment is a food establishment that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration.
The single event permit is valid for one individual food booth or unit at one specific event, and is valid for up to 14 consecutive days from the initial effective date.
Nonprofit/501(c) organizations are exempt from TFE permit fees.
PERMITS:
Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application
Check-list for Temporary Food Set-Up
MORE INFO:
Minimum requirements can be reviewed at 25 TAC 228, Subchapter D or the TFER, Section 228, Subchapter D.
DSHS - Temporary Retail Food Establishment Checklist
Mobile food units are defined as vehicle-mounted mobile food establishments, designed to be readily moveable.
Licensing Inspections are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays - Contact our office at 512-248-7620 to schedule an appointment
PERMITS:
Mobile Food Establishment - Application
MORE INFO:
Frequently Asked Questions
DSHS - Guidelines on Mobile Food Units- How to Mobilize Your Food Operation
