Austin Public Health

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Mobile Food Vendors

This program ensures proper food safety at all mobile food establishments, such as food trailers, motor vehicles, pushcarts, and kiosks. Please review the information below to determine the permit requirements that apply to your business.

Attention Mobile Food Vendors

The City of Austin is transitioning administration of the Mobile Food Vending Program to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Mobile food vendors operating in Austin and Travis County should review the information below to ensure compliance with upcoming state requirements.

State Permit Requirements
Beginning July 1, 2026, mobile food vendors must hold a valid state Mobile Food Vending Permit issued by DSHS. Vendors may not operate without a state permit. For more information, visit Mobile Food Vendors | Texas DSHS.

Apply through the DSHS online portal: https://vo.ras.dshs.state.tx.us/datamart/login.do.

State Contact Information
Texas Department of State Health Services
Email: MobileFoodVendor@dshs.texas.gov
Phone: 512‑406‑2644

Fire Inspections and Permits
For fire applications and inspections, please visit the links below or contact the agency directly:

Austin Fire Department
Website: Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections | Austin Fire | AustinTexas.gov
Phone: (512) 974‑0160 (Option 2)
Email: firepreventionadmin@austintexas.gov or afdmobilevending@austintexas.gov

Travis County Fire Marshal
Website: TCFMOPermits.com
Information: Mobile Food Vendors | Travis County, Texas
Phone: (512) 854‑4621
Email: fire.marshal@traviscountytx.gov

Town Hall Recording
A recording of the June 10, 2026, Austin Public Health Mobile Food Vendor License & Permit Town Hall is available for review: Jun 10, 2026, Mobile Food Vendor License & Permit Town Hall – Austin, TX.

Key Food Safety Requirements

For more information, visit Food Manager & Food Handler Requirements. For guidance on how to start a Mobile Food Business, visit How to Start a Mobile Food Business.

Certified Food Manager (CFM)

The City of Austin requires at least one registered Certified Food Manager per Food Enterprise, with the certificate posted prominently.

Food Handler Training

All employees who handle food must obtain an accredited Food Handler Certificate within 60 days of employment.

Additional Food Safety Resources

 • Central Preparation Facility Contract
 • Central Preparation Facility Certification (for Facilities Outside of Austin/Travis County)
 • Restroom Facility Agreement
 • Variance Request / HACCP Review

Food Donation & Waste Reduction

Food donations help reduce waste and support community hunger‑relief efforts. Austin encourages food recovery as part of its Zero Waste goals. View our Food Donation Guide (PDF), Food Donation Facts (PDF), and find information on how to reduce waste at Universal Recycling Ordinance | Austin Resource Recovery | AustinTexas.gov.

Food That May Be Donated Without a Permit

• Non‑TCS prepackaged foods (cans, cereal, baked goods, bottled water)

Food That Requires a Permit to Donate

 • All TCS foods (e.g., dairy, eggs, cut produce, meats, cooked foods)
 • Must be cooled properly and held at safe temperatures
 • Donor and recipient must both be permitted establishments

Labeling Requirements

• Prepackaged foods must retain original labels
 • Prepared foods must include: 
 • Food name
 • Source
 • Date of preparation

Foods That Cannot Be Donated

• TCS foods older than 7 days or past expiration
 • Dented cans or unlabeled packages
 • Foods exposed to contamination (fire, flood, etc.)
 • Previously served or home‑prepared foods

Safe Transport

• Cold food ≤41°F; hot food ≥135°F
 • No more than 4 hours total out of temperature control
 • Use clean, leak‑proof containers; separate hot and cold items 

Food Safety Laws & Regulations

 • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code (2017)
 • Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) – 25 TAC Chapter 228
 • Health & Safety Code Chapter 431 (Title 6) – Texas Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
 • Cottage Food Law (Home‑Based Food Production)
 • Texas Administrative Code - Mobile Food Units (§228.221)
 • Austin City Code Chapter 10‑3 – Food and Food Handlers
 • Austin City Code 10-3-91 - Food Permit Application
 • Austin City Code Chapter 10‑6 – Smoking in Public Places
 • Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas – Ordinance No. 20151008‑011
 • Travis County Code Chapter 247 – Food Establishment Permits

Contact Information

Environmental Health Services Division 
Phone: 512‑978‑0300 
Email: ehsd.service@austintexas.gov 
Address: 1520 Rutherford Ln, Bldg. 1 Ste 205, Austin, TX 78754 
Mailing: PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78714

Feedback

Please share your experience through the Environmental Health Services online feedback survey: Feedback Survey: Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services.

To return to our Environmental Health Services Division page, visit Environmental Health Services | Austin Public Health | AustinTexas.gov.