Bureau of Consumer Health Services
Contact EMS Permits Food Permits Mobile Food Trucks Pool Permits Special Waste Permits Online Payments
We protect you 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 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
- Mutual Trading Co., Inc Issues Allergy Alert for Undeclared Soy in Sauces
- WOW Frozen Food LLC Recalls Frozen Meat and Poultry Sfihas Products Produced Without Benefit of Inspection
- Hoyo, SBC Recalls Frozen, Ready-To-Eat Beef Sambusa Product Due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination
- Perrigo Announces Voluntary Recall of Limited Quantity of Gerber® Good Start® SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula
- Updated - Scenic Fruit Company Recalls Frozen Organic Strawberries and Frozen Organic Tropical Blend Because of Possible Health Risk
- BC Gourmet USA, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Pine Nuts in Scarpetta Brand Pink Pesto
- California Splendor, Inc. Recalls Kirkland Brand Bags of Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries Distributed by Costco in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and in Two San Diego Business Centers Because of Possible Health Risk
- Regional Recall: Clio Snacks Voluntarily Recalls Strawberry Granola & Greek Yogurt Parfait Bars from Select Walmart Stores Because of Possible Health Risk
- FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Trader Joe's Chicken Salad Due to Misbranding and an Undeclared Allergen
- Dahlia Imports, LLC Recalls Raw Bone-in Goat Products Imported Without Benefit of Import Reinspection