Retail Food Establishments

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 can accomplish our mission:  

"To protect public health through the efficient operation of a comprehensive retail food protection program focusing on education, training, and oversight, which will ultimately reduce the potential for foodborne illness in Texas." 

Recall

Please see the following link for information about a USDA RECALL of Ready-to-Eat meat and poultry products due to possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

BrucePac Recalls Ready-To-Eat Meat and Poultry Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination | Food Safety and Inspection Service

Legislative Updates

The 89th Legislature has adjourned. COMING SOON, DSHS will provide implementation updates on this page and an overview of each bill concerning Retail Food Establishments. 

Texas Retail Food Establishments Jurisdiction Interactive Map

The below map is an online resource that enables visitors to quickly search health departments within the State of Texas.  

Texas allows “home-rule” charter government in the state. Charters are documents that establish the governmental structure and determine the distribution of powers and duties among its branches.  

Home rule charters allow cities and counties to do anything that qualifies as a "public purpose" and is not contrary to the constitution or laws of the state. Cities or counties with active charters have regulatory authority in those areas. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provides the minimum standards for food safety in the state with the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER). However, cities and counties with active charters may enforce more stringent rules and regulations. 

For questions about the map, view the step-by-step instructions below or contact the Retail Food Establishments Program

Instructions 

Please follow these instructions to use the interactive map: 

  1. Navigate to the Texas Retail Food Establishments Jurisdiction Interactive Map
  2. Click the + button on the toolbar to zoom in 
  3. Click on different zones on the map to view information about each geographic location. 
  4. Click the "star" or "triangle" symbols to view DSHS Public Health Region office information. 
  5. Click a city or county boundary to view jurisdiction contact information for the location. 

For more detailed instructions, please view the full User Guide for the Texas Retail Food Establishments Jurisdiction Interactive Map. 

Permitting Information

Food service establishments are classified in the following areas: 

Visit the Permitting Information page for descriptions of each establishment type and an overview of licensing options and associated fees. 

For information about food manufacturing, warehousing and wholesaling, view the Food Manufacturers, Wholesalers, and Warehouses

Replacement License Document

If you lost your license, follow the steps below to print a replacement document. You will need to know your license number or ownership name.

  1. Visit the DSHS Online Licensing Services webpage.
  2. Click on the “license search” link under the “Check License Status or Search for a License” category.
  3. Select a search method.
  4. Enter the required information denoted by a red asterisk (*).
  5. Click the white checkbox next to “I’m not a robot” under the “Security Measures” section.
  6. Complete the reCaptcha/Security prompts.
  7. Click on the Search button.
  8. Click on your ownership name.
  9. Click the Print button on the lower right side of the screen.

Post this document in the location of your original license certificate.

If you need to update information on your license, email Foods Licensing Branch or Drug & Food Safety Licensing Branch for assistance.

This document does not extend your license expiration date. It maintains the same expiration date as the original document.

Additional Contact Information

Mailing Address

Retail Food Safety Unit, MC 1987
Texas Department of State Health Services
P. O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Hours
Campus Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mailing Address

Drugs & Food Safety Licensing Branch, MC 1987
Texas Department of State Health Services
P. O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States

Mailing Address

Retail Food Safety Unit, MC 1987
Texas Department of State Health Services
P. O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States