Farmers' Market Rules Formal Comments - Ended
- The Farmers' Market Proposed Rules formal comment period has ended: 07-11-2022.
- DSHS is currently evaluating
formal comments submitted to the department.
- DSHS response to comments will be issued in the Texas Register once the adopted rules are posted.
TFER 2021
The Texas Food Establishment Adopted
Rules were posted to the Texas Register July 30, 2021 issue. Texas
Administrative Code has been updated reflecting the new adopted rules to be
effective August 8, 2021.
Legislative Updates
Coronavirus Information can be found at the following link and guidance document:
Additional Resources:
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.
Instructions
Texas Retail Food
Establishments Jurisdiction Interactive Map User Guide
Please
see the following step-by-step instructions for using the interactive map.
- Click the + button on the toolbar to
zoom in and then click on the map to view information about geographic location.
-
Click the star or triangle symbols to view DSHS Public Health Region
office information.
-
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:
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.