The City of Gainesville Health Inspector conducts food-related health inspections of all food service establishments, retail establishments, temporary food establishments, mobile food units, schools, nursing and retirement homes, hospitals, daycares, commercial swimming pools and other health related activities through a third party inspection agency designated by the City. These inspections are conducted on a routine and complaint basis to ensure compliance with the standards set forth by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Food Establishment Health Permit
Food establishment health permits are required for restaurants, bars that serve food, grocery stores, convenience stores, mobile food vendors, schools, nursing and retirement homes, hospitals, daycares, and catering operations.

Temporary Food Establishments
The cost to operate a temporary food establishment is $25.00 plus $5.00 for each additional day (not to exceed 10 consecutive days). Applications should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the event.

Plan Review
All new or remodeled food establishments are required to submit plans to be reviewed for compliance with health code regulations. As a part of this process, construction or structural design inspections are performed. All facilities must go through this process before a health permit to operate can be issued. In addition to the health permit, a Certificate of Occupancy is also required. For more information regarding the Certificate of Occupancy please call the Building Inspections Department at (940) 668-4504.

Change of Ownership
Health Permits are non-transferable. All establishments wishing to change ownership, with or without closing, with or without changing name, and/or with or without any equipment or product change still need to apply for a new health permit with the new owner’s information provided on the health permit application.

Food Handler’s Card Program
Every employee of a food service establishment whose work brings him into contact with the handling of food, utensils, or food service equipment must posses a Food Handler’s Permit. In order to obtain a Food Handler’s Permit, the employee must attend a one (1) hour class and pass a test with a score of at least 70.

Food Handler's Class Schedule