Mission Statement: 

Our mission is to protect the health and safety of Galveston County by ensuring safe food, clean water, and healthy environments. We work to keep food in restaurants, retail stores, mobile units, and roadside vendors safe and unadulterated through inspections, permitting, complaint response, and food-borne illness investigations. We also regulate and oversee the design, construction, and maintenance of on-site sewage disposal systems in accordance with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to prevent pollution and protect public health. In addition, we promote safe recreation by permitting and inspecting public and semi-public swimming pools, spas, and interactive water features, while investigating complaints and enforcing health standards. Through these efforts, we strive to prevent hazards, reduce risks, and provide strong public health protection for the citizens of our county.

Mobile Food Unit Permitting Update

On May 26, 2025, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2844 (HB 2844), which changes the regulatory authority for Mobile Food Units in Texas. Under this legislation, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) will assume responsibility for the permitting of Mobile Food Units.

Effective July 1, 2026, the Galveston County Health District (GCHD) will no longer serve as the permitting agency for Mobile Food Units. GCHD will continue issuing permits under the current process until that date and will continue conducting inspections after the transition.

This process is still ongoing. Please continue to check this page for updates or visit the Texas DSHS website for additional information: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments

Changes to the Fee Schedule and Inspection Protocol

Effective January 1, 2026

In compliance with Senate Bill 1008 and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Galveston County Health District (GCHD) will update food permit fees to align with state requirements. These changes ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency across Texas.

Permit Fees and Documentation Requirements:

• Permit fees will default to $773.
• To receive a discounted rate, you will have to submit tax filing and income paperwork to our office.
• Fees for renewals are based on gross annual volume of food sales.

School Requirements:

Schools operated by the district will not be charged a permit fee and will need to request an inspection from the Health District. You may request two inspections per school year to remain compliant with federal regulations. Schools operated on a for-profit basis by a private contractor will remain permitted.

• General Sanitation Inspections are $150 per semester
• Third-party-operated schools will pay an annual permit of $258

Small-Scale Food Business:

A small-scale food business refers to a legal entity established by a farmer or food producer with an annual gross revenue of less than $1.5 million. This does not include a person who ONLY packaged or repackaged a food product. A small-scale food business will not be charged a permitting fee if the business:

• Holds a permit issued by DSHS
• Is licensed as a food manufacturer from DSHS

Adjusted Fees:

• Mobile Food Units: $258
• Temporary Retail Food Establishments:
  • $52 for a single event
  • $200 for multiple events

Additional Fees:

• Permit amendments (e.g., name changes, change of ownership): $125
• Re-inspections fee of $100.00 will be enforced if:
  • Necessary to cure a violation that presents a direct and significant risk to public health
  • Not more than one re-inspection fee can be charged within 60 days of the previous inspection, UNLESS the establishment failed to make reasonable efforts to correct the violation.

Resources for Food Establishments

Texas Food Establishment Rules

FDA Food Code 2022: Full Document

Recalls, Market Withdrawals, and Safety Alerts

Public health Advisories from Investigations of Foodborne illness Outbreaks