RETAIL FOOD ORDER PUBLIC HEARING SET FOR JUNE 14

May 24, 2023 – Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) is seeking public comments on proposed changes to the Williamson County Retail Food Order, which serves as the guiding set of rules for retail food establishments and food truck inspections in the county. The proposed updates aim to align local regulations with state law while improving clarity and communication with all stakeholders.

The proposed changes include:

Adoption of the FDA Food Code and updates to statute and regulation references.
Grammar corrections and specifications for improved accuracy.
Definitions sourced from the FDA 2022 Food Code.
Introduction of a process to exempt nonprofit organizations.
Transition from a written paper application process to an online system.
Addition of a new requirement for businesses to report when they are sold or closed.
Removal of the Food Handler training process, as it is no longer in practice.
Outlining requirements for application and plan review.
Inclusion of a new rule mandating the presence of a certified food protection manager at food establishments during all hours of operation, as required in FDA Food Code, §2-101.11 and §2-102.12.
Reduction of the time frame for appeal requests from 20 to 5 days.

WCCHD invites feedback on these proposed changes. Please submit your comments via email to EH@wilco.org or in person at a Public Hearing scheduled for Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 1:30 pm. The hearing will take place during the Board of Health Meeting, located at 355 Texas Ave., Round Rock, TX 78664.