Bureau of Consumer Health Services
We protect you through education and enforcement of local, state, and federal public health and environmental rules and standards as they relate to city-regulated waste, food safety, swimming pool safety, and ambulance services.
We also prevent foodborne illness, drownings and waterborne illnesses, and protect the environment against sanitary sewer overflow and other discharges.
Find Houston ordinances for food, pools, ambulance, special waste, and temporary food service.
Frequently Used Forms
Upcoming Changes to Food Safety Regulations – Effective September 1, 2025
In accordance with Senate Bill 1008, the Houston Health Department will update all local food safety regulations to align fully with state and federal laws.
Effective September 1, 2025, the City of Houston will:
- Adopt the FDA Model Food Code and Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) by reference.
- Repeal the Houston Food Ordinance (Chapter 20 – Food and Drugs).
- And eliminate all duplicative or conflicting provisions in local law.
These updates will ensure consistency across jurisdictions, reduce regulatory confusion for operators and modernize our approach to food safety based on risk.
📅 Timeline and Next Steps
Summer - Fall 2025:
The Health Department will begin training staff, engage with industry stakeholders and provide outreach to food establishment operators.
September 1, 2025:
The new food safety framework goes into effect. All inspections and enforcement actions will reference the FDA Model Food Code and TFER.
Fall 2025 and beyond:
HHD will continue to offer technical assistance, provide updated inspection tools and evaluate implementation for ongoing improvements.
Stay tuned to this page for training materials, FAQs and upcoming webinars.
What This Means for Food Businesses
Most food operators in Houston will not experience major changes to their daily operations or compliance responsibilities. The Houston Food Ordinance has historically transcribed large portions of state and federal food safety rules.
The primary change is how violations are categorized: Retail Food Safety Inspections Violation Category Comparison Chart
We are moving from “critical” and “non-critical” violations to the FDA’s risk-based categories:
- Priority
- Priority Foundation
- Core
This change will help improve clarity, consistency and public health protection while aligning Houston with food safety systems used nationwide.
Food operators will still:
- Work with the same inspectors.
- Follow the same safety practices.
- And continue routine inspections and corrective actions.
The Houston Health Department is committed to a smooth transition with no disruption to your business operations.
Fee Structure Update – Effective September 1, 2025
As part of Senate Bill 1008, the Houston Health Department is aligning local food safety regulations and permit fees with those set by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). This includes adopting the risk-based fee model and repealing all local permit categories not recognized by DSHS.
Starting September 1, 2025:
- All food permit fees must align with DSHS’s fee-based structure.
- Permit categories must match those recognized by DSHS. Houston may no longer issue permits for categories not included in state law (with exception for the FOG Generator permit).
- Local, employee-based fee calculations are no longer allowed.
What This Means for You
- Most businesses will see no change in permitting processes, only in the fee calculation.
- The new model promotes fairness by aligning costs with public health risk.
- Temporary permit holders benefit from a more affordable and flexible permit system.
Retail Food Safety Inspections Fee Structure Changes Document
EMS Permits
Get ambulance driver and private ambulance company permitting, decal and spot inspections, and learn about EMS program enforcement.
Food Manager and Food Handler Certification
The Houston Health Department's Food Manager and Food Handler Certificate classes prepare and certify individuals to become food service managers and handlers.
Food Permits
We carry out a city-wide program for food safety, to promote health, and to prevent food-borne disease through education, training and regulation. Our program is designed to work in partnership with the people who make the day-today decisions that determine food safety — the owners, operators and employees of all food service establishments.
Temporary Food Permits
A temporary food permit may be issued only if the temporary food service establishment is part of an "event" or "celebration." You may purchase up to 105 days of permits at the same location per calendar year.
Mobile Food Units
Scheduling your food truck inspection is now easier than ever. Our new, online appointment system lets you join the line from anywhere, wait wherever you want, receive wait time updates, and get notified when it's your turn.
Pool Permits
Our pool safety program works to eliminate dangerous situations that occur when pools and other aquatic facilities are not kept up to standard safety protocols.
Special Waste Permits
Our special waste program tracks waste, such as fat, oil and grease, from commercial and residential establishments. Monitoring these waste products ensures that our city’s environment is protected from pollutants that may harm individuals and ecosystems.
Payments
Pay fees associated with HHD programs and services.
CDC: Food Safety Updates
- Africa Imports Issues Voluntary Recall of Organic Moringa Leaf Powder Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
- African Food on Wheels Inc. Recalls Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) Because of Possible Health Risk
- African Food on Wheels Inc. Recalls Oven Dried Fish (Scomberomorus Cavalla) Because of Possible Health Risk
- Brazilian Taste Recalls Frozen Chicken and Beef Croquette Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
- JFE Franchising, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall Associated with a Nationwide Peach Recall Because Of Possible Health Risk
- Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Wheat in Haagen-Dazs Chocolate Dark Chocolate Mini Bars in 6 Count Pack
- Blue Oven Bakery, Inc. Issues a Voluntary Recall Due to Undeclared Milk Allergens in Their English Muffin
- First and Last Bakery, LLC Recalls First and Last Brand Tomato Sauce Products Because Of Possible Health Risk
- Vanguard Enterprises, LLC. dba Bedrock MFG Recalls Monarch Premium Kratom Powder Because of Possible Health Risk
- Supreme Produce LLC Voluntarily Recalls Moonlight Peaches Because of Possible Health Risk