Contact Us
- Houston Health Department
- Consumer Health Services
- 8000 North Stadium Drive, Houston, Texas 77054
- 832-393-5100
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Page last reviewed: June 21, 2022
Bureau of Consumer Health Services
The Bureau of Consumer Health Services strives to protect the health of the communities we serve 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 strive to 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.
Ambulance Permits
Get ambulance driver and private ambulance company permitting, decal and spot inspections, and learn about EMS program enforcement.

Food Manager and Handler Certificate
The Houston Health Department's Food Manager and Food Handler Certificate classes prepare and certify individuals to become food service managers and handlers.

Food Safety and Inspections
Changing ownership of a food establishment
Food manager and food handler certification
Frequently asked questions
Opening a food establishment
Mobile food units
Post-disaster food safety
Charitable feeding

Food Truck Inspections
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.

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.

Swimming Pool Permits
We help you to avoid dangerous situations that can arise when your pool or spa fails to meet standard safety protocols.

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.

CDC: Food Safety Updates
- Creminelli Fine Meats Recalls Mini Parmesan Salami Stick Products Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
- FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Ineligible Siluriformes Products Imported from Korea
- Blount Fine Foods Voluntarily Recalls a Limited Amount (a Single Lot) of Southwest Corn Chowder Due to Undeclared Wheat Allergen
- Daily Harvest Issues Voluntary Recall of French Lentil + Leek Crumbles Due to Potential Health Risk
- Deskins Candies Recalls Peanut Butter Fudge, Peanut Butter No Bake, Chocolate No Bake, and Peanut Butter Pinwheel Because of Possible Health Risk
- Freshpet Voluntarily Recalls One Lot of Freshpet Select Fresh from the Kitchen Home Cooked Chicken Recipe 4.5-Pound Bags Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
- 888 Food Company Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Egg In Various Ho King and Giai Phat Products
- Yumei Foods USA, Inc. Recalls Ineligible Siluriformes Products Imported from China
- Built Brands Voluntarily Recalls "Banana Cream Pie Puffs" Protein Bar Because of a Possible Health Risk
- Northern Tier Bakery, LLC Recalls Ready-To-Eat Salad Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination