Texas Border Business
The Texas Department of State Health Services has opened applications for a new statewide license for mobile food vendors, including food trucks, pushcarts and roadside vendors. Last year’s passage of HB 2844 created the new MFV license type that will be valid everywhere in Texas so mobile food vendors will no longer have to obtain a separate license for each local jurisdiction they operate in. Beginning July 1, all MFVs must have a DSHS license to operate.
“Our goal is to make this transitional period as smooth as possible for vendors, their customers and the local jurisdictions that previously licensed them,” said Timothy Stevenson, DVM, deputy commissioner for consumer protection at DSHS. “Current mobile food vendors may continue to operate after July 1 if they have submitted a complete application for a DSHS license, including paying the required fees.”
Once a mobile food vendor passes its pre-licensing inspection, DSHS will issue a new license good for one year from the inspection date. Until they receive the new license, vendors should keep hard copies of their local license, DSHS application summary and payment receipt on site at all times. New MFVs without an existing license may not operate until they have passed inspection, so DSHS will prioritize those inspections.
While DSHS is responsible for licensing and enforcement under the new law, most inspections will be carried out through agreements with local jurisdictions. MFVs must also continue to comply with all applicable state and local laws.
Prospective licensees can find more information on the requirements for operating a mobile food vendor, the categories of MFV, the licensing process, fees, and an inspection checklist in the DSHS Mobile Food Vendor Guide at dshs.texas.gov/foodestablishments/mobile-food-vendor-guide.pdf. They can begin their license application through the online system at dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/mobile-food-vendors.
Information source: Texas Department of State Health Services
