TFER Question and Answer

The Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) Draft Rules were posted for Informal Comments on the Health and Human Services Rulemaking, Comment on Proposed and Draft Rules webpage from April 27 - May 11, 2020. The informal comment period provides opportunities for comments from stakeholders before a rule is published in the Texas Register. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) received numerous informal comments from stakeholders, including from state, local, and county regulators, health associations, a nonprofit advocacy organization, and industry partners. The following Question and Answer is intended to provide clarification to the most common questions and comments received throughout the informal comment period.

• TFER Question and Answer (DSHS Link)

Coronavirus Information can be found at the following link and guidance document: 

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Link

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance Document (PDF)

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Retail Sales and Donations Guidance Document (PDF)

• Guidance During Covid-19 Disaster Declaration Regarding Sale Of Restaurant-Prepared Food Products In Grocery Stores

• Open Texas - Checklist-Restaurants (PDF)

Additional Resources: 

• FDA - Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Frequently Asked Questions - Link
• FDA - Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Industry Guidance - Link
• FDA - Best Practices for Retail Food Stores, Restaurants, and Food Pick-Up/Delivery Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Link

** NEW INFORMATION** Texas 86(R) Senate Bills - Effective 9/1/2019

• Legislative Updates 

Food safety is serious business in Texas. Our efforts are dedicated toward elimination of food borne illness in the Lone Star State through personal and professional excellence. This endeavor requires the help of all public health regions, state and federal agencies, local and city health departments, private industry, and the public. Through teamwork and diligent effort, we can accomplish our mission, "to protect the public health through the efficient operation of a comprehensive, progressive retail food protection program focusing on education, training, and oversight, which will ultimately reduce the potential for food borne illness in Texas."

Texas Retail Food Establishments Jurisdiction Interactive Map

The Texas Retail Food Establishments Jurisdiction interactive map is an online resource that enables visitors to easily and quickly search health departments within the State of Texas. Texas allows “home-rule” charter government in the state. The charter is a document that establishes the governmental structure and provides for the distribution of powers and duties among the various branches of government. Home rule charters have the inherent authority to do anything that qualifies as a "public purpose" and is not contrary to the constitution or laws of the state. If a city or county have a charter in place they will have regulatory authority in those areas. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provides the minimum standards for food safety in the state with the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER). However, cities that have a charter in place have the ability to enforce more stringent rules and regulations.

For questions about the map, please see the step-by-step instructions below or contact the Retail Food Establishments Program.

 Access the Texas Retail Food Establishments Jurisdiction Interactive Map

Instructions

Texas Retail Food Establishments Jurisdiction Interactive Map User Guide

Please see the following step-by-step instructions for using the interactive map.

1. Click the + button on the toolbar to zoom in and then click on the map to view information about geographic location.
2. Click the star or triangle symbols to view DSHS Public Health Region office information.
3. Click a city or county boundary to view jurisdiction contact information for the location.
   

The NEW Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) went into effect on October 11, 2015.  In order to find a copy of the new Rules, please visit our Laws and Rules page, along with the Guidance and Publications page, where you will find updated Regulatory Clarifications and Guidance Documents for use with the new TFER.

Permitting

Food service establishments are classified in the following areas:

• Retail Food Establishments
• Food Stores
• Mobile Food Units
• Roadside Food Vendors
• School Food Establishments
• Temporary Retail Food Establishments

See the permitting requirements page for descriptions of each establishment type, as well as an overview of licensing options and associated fees.

Email Updates

Sign up to receive email updates about important changes on the Texas Food Establishment Rules and important changes to the Food Establishment Program. This feature will serve as a tool to increase communication with license holders regarding new information added to the website.

Contact Information

For General Program Assistance

Email: Retail Food Service Establishments Program
Phone: (512) 834-6753
Fax: (512) 834-6683

For Licensing and Permitting Assistance

Email: Food and Drug Business Filing and Verification Unit
Phone: (512) 834-6626
Fax: (512) 834-6618

Mailing addresses may be found on the contact page.