Contact Us
- Houston Health Department
- Consumer Health Services
- 8000 North Stadium Drive, Houston, Texas 77054
- 832-393-5100
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Page last reviewed: June 21, 2022
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.
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
- The Gluten Free Bar Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Cashew in The GFB 1.2oz Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites
- Home Run Inn Frozen Foods Recalls Frozen Meat Pizza due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
- Fifth Season Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Dairy and Eggs in Crunchy Sesame Salad Kit
- Kraft Heinz is announcing a voluntary recall of Capri Sun Wild Cherry Flavored Juice Drink Blend Beverages Due to Potential for Chemical Contaminants
- King's Hawaiian® Issues Voluntary Recall of Pretzel Slider Buns, Pretzel Hamburger Buns and Pretzel Bites Due to the Recall of an Ingredient from Supplier Lyons Magnus
- Consumer Protection Issues Food Safety Warning for EZ Noble Sushi EZ Noble Sushi is voluntarily recalling the products, which contained unlabeled allergens
- Lyons Magnus Expands Voluntary Recall to Include Additional Nutritional and Beverage Products Due to the Potential for Microbial Contamination
- That's It Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Proteins in Dark Chocolate Truffles (Various Flavors)
- Royal Crest Dairy Voluntarily Recalls 2% Chocolate Milk Due to Undeclared Egg
- H-E-B Issues Recall for H-E-B Creamy Creations Light Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Due to Mislabeling