Mobile Food Units
*To keep up to date on the status, please visit the State website at Retail Food Establishments | Texas DSHS
What Is Changing?
- City of Houston MFU permits and medallions will no longer be valid after this date
- Operators must obtain a DSHS-issued permit to legally operate anywhere in Texas, including Houston
Why Is My Fee Being Prorated?
The City of Houston has implemented prorated (month-to-month) permit fees to ensure fairness during this transition.
Because local permits will expire in July 2026:
- Operators are not being charged for a full year of permitting
- Fees are now calculated monthly based on the annual fee
- This prevents operators from paying for time they will not be able to use under a City permit
If you operated in a given month, you will be charged the full monthly prorated amount for that month.
What Do I Need to Do?
Before July 1, 2026
- Continue operating under your City of Houston permit
- Pay monthly prorated fees as applicable
Beginning July 1, 2026
You must:
- Apply for a permit with DSHS
- Obtain your DSHS permit and payment receipt
- Contact the City of Houston Health Department to schedule your inspection
What Happens After I Apply with DSHS?
• DSHS will process your application and issue a permit/receipt
• You will then be assigned for inspection locally
• The City of Houston Health Department will conduct your inspection on behalf of the State
⚠️ You cannot operate legally without a valid DSHS permit after July 1, 2026
Important Reminder
• Your City of Houston permit and medallion will no longer be valid after June 2026
• A DSHS permit is required to operate anywhere in Texas
• The City will continue inspections, but under State authority
Attention mobile food unit operators
- Effective immediately, medallion inspections conducted at the Environmental Inspection Center (7427 Park Place Blvd Houston TX 77087) are subject to cancellation if the mobile food unit is under temporary closure. Temporary closures must be lifted in-field before medallion inspections can be conducted.
- Fire Inspection - Annual: The Information for MFU’s Annual Fire Inspection has changed. Use the first four pages to guide you (Self-assessment…) and if you need more details read the last three pages (Information…). The document is available in English and Spanish. El documento está disponible en Español e Inglés.
- Fire Inspection – Temporary: The Temporary permit is valid ONLY for the Event. The requirements are the same as the Annual Fire Inspection. Contact your Event Coordinator for the instructions.”
- Effective July 1, 2025, all mobile food units that are undergoing a change in ownership will be required to submit an application and process a plan review fee. See application for full details.
Change of Ownership Mobile Food Unit Application
Common Mistakes in Mobile Food Inspections
Commercial Grade Equipment
- All appliances (e.g., refrigerators, freezers) must be commercial grade. The use of residential appliances is prohibited.
- Commercial equipment must be designated for its intended use, such as a display cooler for packaged bottles or non-TCS (Temperature Control for Safety) foods.
Notary Requirements
- A notary’s signature must be dated on the same day they notarize the document. The date on the notary certificate should match the date the signer appears before the notary, even if the document itself has a different date.
Lighting
- A minimum of 50-foot candles of lighting must be provided at all working surfaces.
Wastewater Vent
- The wastewater tank vent must terminate in a downward direction.
Restroom Requirements During Operating Hours
- A restroom letter must be provided from a business within 500 meters of the mobile food unit's operating location.
Documentation
- Provide physical copies of the following required documents:
- Mobile Food Unit (MFU) plans
- Vehicle insurance card
- Menu disclosure form
- List of location form
- Restroom letter
- Property letter
- Health 1-8 form
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) form
- Mobile Food Unit (MFU) plans
Documents and forms
- For these and other documents, go to our documents search page.
- Approved Commissary List
- Carts Effective September 12025
- Compact HFD MFU Annual Information 2025-4
- Compact HFD MFU Información Anual 2025-4
- MFU Application 2026
- Operating a Mobile Food Unit BasicsSEPT2025
- Plans Specifications Checklist 2025
Mobile food unit operations in Houston to align with Senate Bills1008 and 2488. Some provisions are effective September 1, 2025 and the remaining in July 1, 2026.
The City of Houston will also adopt the 2022 FDA Food Code and TFER (Texas Food Establishment Rules).
Below is a summary of some of the mobile food unit changes:
- Texas will initiate effective July 2026, the issuance of one annual medallion/permit recognized throughout the state. Continue to apply for new/renewal/change of ownerships medallions to operate in Houston, until the effective date.
- Mobile Food Unit Medallion/Permit Fee aligned with the state.
- GPS devices will not be installed.
- Mobile food units operate from a Central Preparation Facility (CPF) – an approved and permitted facility or space where food is prepared, stored, and packaged.
- Report to Central Preparation Servicing Area daily for supplies, cleaning, and servicing operations.
- Identify/label “Potable Water” and “Waste Water tanks.
- Install a three compartment sink large enough to accommodate immersion of the largest equipment and utensils.
- No size requirement for potable water tank – waste water tank required 15% larger.
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
How to schedule your food truck inspection
- Online (faster): Schedule an appointment online receive wait time updates and get notified when it's your turn.
- Phone: 832-393-5100