Bureau of Consumer Health Services
The Bureau of Consumer Health Services strives to protect the health of the communities we serve through education and enforcement of local, state, and federal public health and environmental rules and standards as they relate to city regulated waste, food safety, swimming pool safety, and ambulance services.
We also strive to prevent foodborne illness, drownings and waterborne illnesses, and protect the environment against sanitary sewer overflow and other discharges.
Find Houston ordinances for food, pools, ambulance, special waste, and temporary food service.
Frequently Used Forms
Ambulance Permits
Get ambulance driver and private ambulance company permitting, decal and spot inspections, and learn about EMS program enforcement.
Food Manager and Handler Certificate
The Houston Health Department's Food Manager and Food Handler Certificate classes prepare and certify individuals to become food service managers and handlers.
Food Safety and Inspections
Changing ownership of a food establishment
Food manager and food handler certification
Frequently asked questions
Opening a food establishment
Mobile food units
Post-disaster food safety
Charitable feeding
Food Truck Inspections
Scheduling your food truck inspection is now easier than ever. Our new, online appointment system lets you join the line from anywhere, wait wherever you want, receive wait time updates, and get notified when it's your turn.
Special Waste Permits
Our special waste program tracks waste, such as fat, oil and grease from commercial and residential establishments. Monitoring these waste products ensures that our city’s environment is protected from pollutants that may harm individuals and ecosystems.
Swimming Pool Permits
We help you to avoid dangerous situations that can arise when your pool or spa fails to meet standard safety protocols.
Temporary Food Permits
A temporary food permit may be issued only if the temporary food service establishment is part of an "event or "celebration." You may purchase up to 105 days of permits at the same location per calendar year.
CDC: Food Safety Updates
- Whole Foods Market Issues Allergy Alert for Zerto Fontal Cheese Sold in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York
- Old Europe Cheese, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Its Brie and Camembert Cheeses Due to Possible Health Risk
- The Chai Box Announces Voluntary Recall of Chai Concentrate Mix and Chai Concentrate Unsweetened Mix Due to Potential Clostridium Botulinum Contamination
- Momyer Distribution Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Dark Chocolate Almonds
- Behrmann Meat and Processing Inc. Recalls Various Ready-to-Eat Meat Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
- TreeHouse Foods Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain Tuscan Garden Restaurant Style Italian Dressing Due to Undeclared Wheat and Soy
- Empanadas Valrico Inc. Recalls Beef and Chicken Empanada Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
- Arcade Snacks Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Egg in Candy Corn
- Van Law Food Products Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Soy and Wheat in Product Expanded
- World Variety Produce, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Select Lots of Melissa's Dutch Red Potatoes with Dijon Mustard Sauce Because it Contains Undeclared Egg Allergens