Under the Texas Cottage Food Law (SB 541), you may qualify if you prepare certain foods in your home kitchen and sell them directly to customers in Texas. A local food permit is not required, but you must complete an approved food handler training course. Beginning September 1, 2025, those selling refrigerated time and temperature control for safety (TCS) foods must register with the Texas Department of State Health Services. Products must be properly labeled with the business name, address or state registration number, product name, allergen information, and required disclosure statement.

Examples of foods allowed under Texas Cottage Food Law:

• Baked goods like cookies, cakes, muffins, and bread (no cream or meat fillings)
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Candies, fudge, and other sweets
• Honey and syrups
• Dry herbs, spices, and seasoning mixes
• Popcorn, granola, and trail mixes

Not allowed: meat, poultry, seafood, raw milk products, low-acid canned goods, ice products, and items containing CBD or THC.

If you have any questions or concerns about the products you sell, please contact the Health Division at 956-388-1846.

*For more information on the Texas Cottage Law, use the link provided in the Quick Links section.

To submit a Health Permit, follow these steps:

1. If you are opening a new development, you must first speak with the Health Inspector Supervisor, who will advise you whether you need approval from the Planning and Zoning Department, the Building Safety Department, or both before proceeding with your Health Permit application.
2. After going through the required departments and once all inspections are completed and approved by Building Safety, request a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
3. Submit your CO along with a Health Permit application either in person or by mail with payment. A Health Inspector will conduct a random inspection, and if approved, a Health Certificate will be issued, valid for one year.

*For renewals, simply submit an application and pay any applicable fees. If there is a change of ownership or facility changes, you must go through the Building Safety Department for a commercial facility review and obtain a new Certificate of Occupancy.

To apply for a temporary event permit, you must submit your application in person. You will need to provide a flyer or description of the event (such as a market or festival), or a contract from Parks and Recreation if applicable, including city-sponsored events. Each person handling food must have a valid food handler certificate. Once approved, a temporary permit will be issued for the event.

To submit a Mobile Food Truck Permit, follow these steps:

1. Submit a completed application to the Health Division. It will get routed to the appropriate departments such as Planning and Zoning, Fire Department, and Building Safety for review.
2. Attend a Plan Review meeting with the appropriate departments to review compliance requirements and address any corrections or additional documentation needed.
3. Address all required revisions and satisfy departmental requirements. Once all approvals are received, pay any applicable fees and receive your permit.