Food safety is serious business in Texas. We strive to prevent foodborne 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 protect public health through the efficient operation of a comprehensive retail food protection program focusing on education, training, and oversight, which reduces the potential for foodborne illness in Texas. 

A retail 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 & breakfasts with more than 7 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 retail food establishments.