Food Permits
Jefferson County requires that all food establishments in our
jurisdiction have a current Food Permit. Our jurisdiction
includes all of unincorporated Jefferson County as well as:
- Bevil Oaks
- China
- Groves
- Nederland
- Port Neches
We follow the Texas Food Establishment Rules or (TFER) that can be found here:
Health Inspections
We inspect food service establishments, day cares, schools,
grocery stores, hospitals, mobile food units, and temporary food
events to insure compliance with state and local health laws and
regulations. These establishments are inspected a minimum of one
(1) time per year. All establishments receiving complaints are
inspected as soon as possible.
Food complaints
If you have had a bad experience with a particular
establishment, please contact us so that we may investigate it
further.
*Updates/Changes to TFER (Texas Food Establishment Rules)
On November 30, 2015 Jefferson County Commissioner Court updated
their Order to the 2015 TFER (Texas Food Establishment Rules).
This means that all food establishments will be required to
follow all changes and updates associated with new TFER.
Here are some of the changes that need to be done before your
next health inspection:
-
Beginning September 1, 2016, all food employees will be required
to hold a Food Handlers certification within (60) days of
employment. Here is a website of vendors that offer online
certification:
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/food-handlers/training/online.aspx
-
Each permitted food establishment must employ at least one
Certified Food Manager. Certification must be obtained by
passing an examination approved by the Texas Department of State
Health Services. The original certificate must be posted in a
location in your food establishment that is conspicuous to your
customers. If you wish to obtain this certification online you
can do so at the following web address:
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/food-managers/default.aspx
The following food establishments are exempt from employing a Certified Food Manager:
-
Establishments that handle only prepackaged food and do not
prepare or package food;
- Establishments that do not prepare or handle exposed potentially hazardous foods;
- Nonprofit organizations as defined in 25 TAC ยง229.371(9).
-
You will need to post your "Food Service Permit" and either
post your newest Health Inspection Report or a sign that states
that a copy of the inspection report is available upon request.
Both must be in a location in your food establishment that is
conspicuous to your customer
-
First Aid Kits will now be required and inspected. They must be
labeled and stored in a location to prevent the contamination of
food, equipment, utensils, linens and single-service and
single-use articles.
-
Hand washing sink signage requirements: A sign or poster that
notifies your food employees to wash their hands shall be
provided at all hand washing sinks used by your food employees
and shall be clearly visible.
There are several documents to help you with the transition to the new TFER guidelines, they can be located at: