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Retail Food Establishments
Notice to Our Patrons: Changes to Food Service Permits
You may have noticed that the “Institutional Establishment” category is no longer listed in our jurisdiction. This change is due to Texas Senate Bill 1008, which went into effect on September 1, 2025.
What Changed?
The State of Texas streamlined food service regulations to make them consistent across all cities and counties. Under the new law:
- Local governments can no longer require extra permits or fees beyond state requirements.
- “Institutional Establishment” permits were removed to simplify compliance.
- All food establishments now follow the same statewide standards for safety and permitting.
Why This Matters:
These changes reduce unnecessary costs and confusion for businesses while maintaining strong food safety protections. Your favorite cafeterias, schools, and hospitals are still inspected and regulated—they just operate under a unified system now.
For more details, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website or contact our office.
Food Establishments
A food establishment means an operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food or beverages for human consumption on or off premises.
As a restaurant owner of an existing business, constructing a new building/finish-out of space or remodeling/ restoring a structure you must follow all guidelines put into place by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Rules and procedures for temporary, retail and mobile food establishments are available.
- Texas Food Establishment Rules (October 2015)
- Summary of Changes to TFER 2015
- FDA Food Code 2022
- Summary of Changes to the FDA Food Code 2022
- Supplement to the Food Code 2022
- City Ordinance Adoption of Food Establishment Regulations
Request for Inspection
Procedures and Requirement for Daycare Facilities
Procedures, requirements, and rules for opening and operating a day care center are available online.
Foster Home Inspections
Gillespie County Health Department will perform Foster Home inspections by appointment.
Please email health@fbgtx.org to request an inspection.
Plan Review Process
Gillespie County Health Division has a Plan Review process for Retail and Institutional Establishments in Gillespie County. All food establishments located and operating in Gillespie County require a plan review and a pre-operational inspection before a health permit can be issued. This applies to new construction, as well as a change of ownership, re-models (inquire to see if qualify) of establishments.
- Plan Review Application & Information
- Retail Food Establishment Application
- Final Inspection Check List
- Gillespie County Fee Schedule
Steps for Plan Review Process
- Complete a Plan Review Application, incomplete plan reviews will be returned and not reviewed until complete
- Application fee - paid by check, credit card, or cash
- Supporting documents for application
- Full menu, including beverages and prepackaged food
- Plans must include information about plumbing, mechanical/ventilation, and a finishing schedule that describes walls, floors, and ceilings, such as, color and texture.
- Plans must include a site plan and floor plan to scale with labeled equipment and fixtures. (example floor plan included in Plan Review Packet)
Submissions can be sent through email, mail, or in person at our office, 1906 N. Llano St.
DSHS Required Signage
DSHS Food Allergen Awareness Poster required by Texas Administrative Code §228.33 SB 812 (88th legislature) food establishments must comply by September 1, 2024:
- DSHS Sample Food Allergen Awareness Poster - English
- DSHS Sample Food Allergen Awareness Poster - Spanish