Each row is the verification state of one aspect for Texas, taken from the data we hold. A check does not mean every local amendment or county fee was individually reviewed.
These come from the FDA Food Code — a model code that nearly every state adopts and amends, with enforcement that varies by jurisdiction. Treat them as commonly required, not universal: your menu, your state’s adopted edition, and your local authority (AHJ) may impose different or additional requirements.
Labels flag how firm each item is — Common baseline core Food-Code expectation · Frequently required usual on plan review · Varies locally set by local/plumbing code · Verify with AHJ confirm the specifics locally. The finer details (drainboard count, which sanitation listings are accepted, interceptor sizing) are plan-review and plumbing-code matters that vary by jurisdiction; the notes below are FoodServiceNerd planning guidance, not a code citation.
Varies locally Also required in most kitchens: a mop/service sink, mechanical exhaust hood (Type I over grease/smoke), adequate hot water, indirect waste/air gaps on food & warewashing equipment, and a grease interceptor where local plumbing code requires it — which apply, and their sizing, are set locally.
Licensing authority: TX Dept. of State Health Services (DSHS) - single statewide license. Regime: STATE-ISSUED (changed 2026-07-01).
MAJOR CHANGE. HB 2844 (89th Legislature) passed 2025-05-26, signed by Gov. Abbott June 2025, effective 2026-07-01. Creates new Health & Safety Code Chapter 437B. All mobile food unit permitting authority transferred from local health departments to DSHS. Local permits issued before that date are NO LONGER VALID and were not grandfathered. Three-tier risk classification (Type I = non-TCS/low risk e.g. prepackaged ice cream). Annual license, expires one year from pre-licensing inspection date. Vendors without a current license anywhere in TX may not operate until pre-licensing inspection completed. DSHS estimates ~19,000 businesses affected. Cities retain zoning, parking and non-conflicting ordinances but cannot require duplicate health permits. Houston stopped accepting MFU plan reviews 2026-05-15. NOTE: DSHS's own documents give the signing date as both June 10 and June 20, 2025 - minor, unresolved.
Mobile/food-truck reciprocity: N/A - one state license replaces all local health permits
New builds and remodels almost always require a plan review and a pre-opening inspection. Submit your equipment layout early — the sink count, hood, and hot-water sizing are the usual sticking points.
Confirm the current mobile/retail food licence class, fees, forms and inspection scheduling with the state agency before applying.
Food-permit basics, inspection grading and your local health-department contact, county by county. Fees and plan review are set locally — find yours below.