Do you need a food permit to sell food in Texas?

You do not need a permit from the local health department to start a home-based food business in Texas. In fact, the health department is prohibited from interfering with your cottage food business unless a customer files a complaint.

Can you cook and sell food from your home in Texas?

The Texas Cottage Food Law allows individuals to sell certain foods made in home kitchens, without having to get a food manufacturers’ license, use a commercial kitchen, or be subject to inspections by the state or local health departments.

Do you need a permit to sell food on the street in Texas?

In Texas, you must get a health permit to operate a food-related business. If the city or county where you operate your business requires a local health permit – and some do – getting a local permit exempts you from the need to get a state-issued health permit.

How do I get a food permit in Texas?

To apply for a new permit or renew a current permit, please visit the Regulatory Services online licensing system, or complete and return the Mobile Unit Food Establishment Permit Application (PDF, 114KB). To apply for a Variance, please submit all requested information to our compliance department.

Can I sell food online in Texas?

Texas Cottage Food Law 2020 amendments allowed sellers to receive orders online or by mail order as long as the product is delivered to the customer in person. Sellers can now sell frozen fruits and vegetables as long as they were raw and uncut when originally frozen and they are delivered at or below 32C.

Who needs a food handlers permit in Texas?

all food employees
Who must obtain food handler training? The Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS), under Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228.33, requires that ‘…all food employees shall successfully complete an accredited food handler training course, within 60 days of employment.

How do I get a permit to sell food from home in Texas?

You apply to the state Health and Human Services Department for a license to sell food in Texas. You can do this online, or download and print out a hard-copy application. The food license in Texas cost ranges from $258 to $773 depending on sales volume.

Can you ship food in Texas?

Yes, as long as the food is made, packaged, and labeled in your home kitchen. Keep in mind that “mobile food units” (food trucks) are licensed through DSHS or local health departments in much the same way that restaurants are, and those regulations would likely not allow the sale of homemade food from a licensed unit.

How much is a catering license in Texas?

Licenses and Permits Permits are issued for two-year terms; fees, which vary based on the gross annual volume of sales, range from $250 to $750. You will need to have at least one on-duty employee who is a certified food manager, and you may also need employees to obtain food handler cards.

How much is a food handlers permit in Texas?

$7.99 Texas Food Handlers Card | eFoodcard.

Can you sell cottage foods online Texas?

A cottage food production operation may sell through the Internet or by mail order only if: the consumer purchases the food through the Internet or by mail order from the operation and the operator personally delivers the food to the consumer. A cottage food production operation may not sell at wholesale.

What certificates do I need for catering?

The good news is that when it comes to working with food there really is only one simple rule to remember: if you sell food or make food to be sold, you need at least a Level 2 Hygiene Certificate in Catering – by law.

Do you need a license to cater food in Texas?

Texas requires that all establishments which handle food, utensils and food service obtain a food handler’s license prior to operating a food business.

How do I get a food handlers certificate in Texas?

You simply need to complete a training course and pass a test, then you’ll have a food handler permit valid for Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, or wherever you live in the state. Additionally, many programs allow you to print your certificate right away so that you can get to work fast.