Food Service

Important 2027 Food Service Permit Information

It's almost time to renew your Orange County Food Service Permit for 2027. 

All food service permit invoices will be emailed on December 1, 2026, to the email address we have on file from last year's Food Service Permit Application, with payments due by December 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2027, a late fee will be assessed on any unpaid invoices. If your email address has changed you will need to contact our office to update it before December 1, 2026.

In addition to payment, a Food Service Permit Application must be completed and submitted before a permit can be issued for 2027. Failure to submit the application and payment by the deadline may result in delays or enforcement actions. You must submit your Food Service Permit Application online, where you will also have the option to pay your permit fees electronically at https://myhealthdepartment.com/orangecotx.

(Now is the time to submit your application)

We appreciate your continued cooperation and commitment to maintaining a safe healthy food environment for Orange County residents and visitors. If you have any questions or need assistance with your renewal, please contact our office at (409) 745-1463 or by email at Environmental@co.orange.tx.us.

Important Notice for Mobile Food Unit Operators

Mobile Food Unit Permitting and Inspection Changes Effective July 1, 2026

Pursuant to Texas House Bill 2844 (89th Texas Legislature), the permitting and inspection authority for Mobile Food Units (MFUs)—including food trucks, trailers, pushcarts, and roadside food vendors—will transfer from local health jurisdictions to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in Austin effective July 1, 2026.

Beginning July 1, 2026:

• Mobile Food Units must obtain a state-issued license from DSHS.
• Orange County Environmental Health & Code Compliance will no longer issue Mobile Food Unit permits or conduct routine food safety inspections for Mobile Food Units. This includes temporary food vendors considered mobile.
• A single DSHS-issued license will allow approved Mobile Food Units to operate throughout the State of Texas.

Mobile food vendors are encouraged to apply for their state license as soon as possible to avoid interruptions in operation.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

For licensing information, applications, fees, and program requirements, please visit:

DSHS Mobile Food Vendor Program:
https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/permits-retail-food-establishments/mobile-food-vendors

Licensing Assistance:
 Phone: (512) 834-6727

Please Note: Beginning July 1, 2026, all questions, concerns, and issues related to Mobile Food Unit licensing, permitting, inspections, renewals, and application processing must be directed to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Orange County Environmental Health & Code Compliance is no longer the permitting authority for Mobile Food Units and cannot assist with state permit applications or licensing decisions.

Food Service Permits and Inspection are required for all Retail Food Establishments located in Orange County.  Our office services the following areas:

City of Orange
City of Pinehurst
City of West Orange
City of Bridge City
City of Vidor 2006
City of Rose City
City of Pine Forest
All unincorporated areas

Permit Fee Schedule 

Inspections

Specialized inspections on all Food Service Establishments are completed to ensure compliance with State and local health laws and regulations. Restaurants, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores and Deli, Roadside Vendors, Daycares, Snow Cone Stands, Meat/Fish Markets, Schools and local Soup Kitchens are inspected by one of our trained Health Inspectors. Copies of each establishments inspection are available upon request through the establishment or we can provide you that information.

Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437: Regulation of Food Service Establishments, Retail Food Stores, Mobile Food Units and Roadside Food Vendors.

Food Complaints

If you have had a bad experience with a particular establishment, please contact us so that we may investigate the complaint further. Please have important details about your experience including establishment name, time, foods that were ordered and what issues are needing to be addressed. Call our office to submit a complaint.

Cottage Food Law

Texas Cottage Food Law allows the sale of certain foods that are prepared in residential homes. This type of business is not regulated by a local or state health department unless there is concern for public's health and safety. If you are looking a starting a Cottage Food business please see this FAQ sheet before you get started.

Cottage Food Law FAQ

Cottage Food Law Information Packet

Please click the links below for further information regarding specific topics.

Emergency Management Documents

Boil Water Notice Information
Reopening a Retail Food Establishment After an Emergency