Health Permit

• A health permit from the county health department is required to operate a mobile food vending unit. In the eyes of the health department, there are two types of mobile food vending units: restricted and unrestricted.
  
  

Restricted

• Restricted mobile food vending units may sell only prepared and prepackaged food. They are not required to have any water or waste systems.
  
  

Unrestricted

• Unrestricted mobile food vending units may prepare their food in the unit, including all cutting and prep work through the actual cooking. Unrestricted mobile food vending units must have approved water sources and waste disposal systems.
  
  

Posting

• Both restricted and unrestricted units must post their health permit in the vending unit.
  
  

Inspection

• All restricted and unrestricted mobile vending units must undergo an inspection. Some counties in Texas mandate up to four inspections a year to maintain a health permit.