Environmental Health Services

Food Safety Programs

The division ensures food safety for all food establishments. There are requirements for food handlers and managers, and four distinct food programs:

• Food Handler/Food Manager Requirements
  All employees handling food must be trained in a state-certified training program to ensure knowledge of food safety practices. All food establishments must have a state Certified Food Protection Manager Certificate.
• Fixed Food Establishments includes restaurants, school cafeterias, grocery stories, food warehouses, and convenience stores.  
• Mobile Food Vendors includes food trucks and trailers, pushcarts, and kiosks.
• Charitable Feeding Organizations includes not for profit charitable feeding organizations.
• Farmers Markets includes all food booths participating in farmers markets.
• Temporary Food Events includes booths that serve food or beverages at events.
• Vending Machines. Permits are required for any vending machines that distribute potentially hazardous (TCS) foods. Get a vending machine application here.

Permit Fee Schedule

View the fee schedule for Austin and Travis County effective May 8, 2024, for all permits and services.

My Health Department

Customers can create an account through My Health Department (MyHD) Portal. Submit applications, make payments, view records, and communicate with staff online all through your MyHD account.

https://myhealthdepartment.com/APH/login

Food Safety Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Foodborne Outbreaks
• FDA and USDA Food Safety Information and Recalls
• Conditional Employee and Food Employee Interview (FDA Form 1-A)
• Conditional Employee or Food Employee Reporting Agreement (FDA Form 1-B)
• Conditional Employee or Food Employee Medical Referral (FDA Form 1-C)

Public Health Nuisances

• City of Austin
  The following types of nuisances are investigated in the city limits: Animal Enclosures/Setback Limits, Smoking in Public Places, Minors' Access to Tobacco, food handling, and reports of foodborne illness (food poisoning).
• Travis County
  Outside the city limits, the following types of nuisances are investigated: trash, rubbish, debris, junked vehicles, tall weeds/grass, mosquito harbors, unmaintained pools, and substandard structures.

To report nuisances, contact Austin 3-1-1.

To report a smoking violation in the City of Austin, contact 3-1-1 or fill out a smoking violation form.

Childcare, Foster Care, and Adoption Housing

The division performs state-mandated inspections required for custodial care facilities, such as child care, foster care and adoption housing. Apply for an inspection here.

Pool, Spas, Interactive Water Features & Fountains

The division ensures the health and safety of all public and semi-public aquatic facilities to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and accidental drownings/injuries. Learn more here.

Mosquito and Rodent Control (Rodent and Vector)

The division provides on-site assessments and responds to complaints about rodents, mosquitoes, and stinging insects. The program also performs mosquito surveillance (trapping) to identify the source of mosquito borne diseases and applies limited control measures. Learn more here.

Have Feedback?

Help us better serve our customers by providing feedback through our online survey.

To address a concern or request a second opinion regarding an inspection result or complaint, contact us at 512-978-0300 between 7:45 am to 4:45 pm Monday - Friday.