The Texas Temporary Food Permit: A Guide
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Are you thinking of selling food at temporary events in Texas? Texas requires a temporary permit if you are thinking of selling food for certain types of events. Texas law states that all unpackaged, homemade food sold at a Texas special event must be prepared in a commercial kitchen and have a single event permit for all temporary food service providers. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) regulates the issuance of Texas temporary food permits and is responsible for ensuring that food products sold at Texas special events are safe to consume.
Application Fees
The application fee is $35 and must be paid before you can submit your Texas Temporary Food Permit application. This payment is non-refundable, so make sure to review all the information on the application before submitting it. The Texas DSHS will review your application and determine if your event qualifies for a Texas Temporary Food Permit.
Once the DSHS has approved your Texas Temporary Food Permit, you have to pay the permit fee. This fee is based on the number of days that the food will be sold. For a one-day Texas Temporary Food Permit, the fee is $30; for two days it's $60 and three or more days costs $90.
Once you've paid all the Texas Temporary Food Permit fees, you will receive your permit in the mail. Make sure to keep this permit handy during your event, as it could be checked by local health inspectors.
But before starting the application process for your Texas temporary food permit, make sure that you are familiar with Texas food laws. These regulations include information about food preparation and how to properly serve food, personal hygiene, safe food storage and handling, water supply, sewage disposal, pest control, and more.
Submit Initial Application
Once you have reviewed Texas food laws and are confident you can comply with all of them, the next step is to submit an application for your Texas temporary food permit. Depending on where you intend to operate your business, applications can be made through either the Texas DSHS or a Texas county health department. You will need to provide information about the type of mobile food business that you plan to run, and may also need to include additional documents such as proof of insurance or a Food Handler’s Certification. These are the requirements for the initial application and the first step in getting your temporary food permit.
To obtain a Texas temporary food permit, you must submit an application along with the required fees. All applications must include detailed information about the event as well as proof of liability insurance. The DSHS will review your application and may require additional documentation or an inspection of the proposed cooking facility before declaring your completed application. The Texas temporary food permit is valid for up to 14 days and can be renewed if required.
It's also important to take note that if you plan to operate your mobile food business at multiple events for different locations, you will need to apply for a separate permit per county. This is because different locations in Texas have their own set of specific policies for food establishments operating within their jurisdiction.
Texas Food Preparation: A Strict Adherence to Food Safety Laws
In addition to a Texas temporary food permit, all Texas special events must also adhere to Texas food safety laws and regulations. Each food vendor is required to provide safe drinking water, proper storage of food products, and proper sanitation of cooking facilities.
Texas food establishments must also have a certified food manager present at all times during the event and post a Texas Food Service License for customers to view. This is to ensure that diners or customers will be safe from potentially hazardous foods.
Conclusion
Selling food at Texas special events can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it is important to adhere to Texas laws and regulations for your permit application to be approved. Texas temporary food permits are an important part of Texas food safety and must be obtained before selling food at Texas special events.​
For more information about Texas temporary food permits, please contact the Texas Department of State Health Services or visit their website for details on how to apply.
