FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
When considering opening up a food establishment whether brand new or you are going to purchase the business from someone else, it's important that you understand the rules, regulations, process, and our specific requirements. Below you will find valuable information that will guide you to successfully obtaining a permit in Fort Bend County.
- Regulations - Understand any additional requirements or restrictions within Fort Bend County. Please read it thoroughly and carefully.
- Plan Review - Below are important documents to be reviewed and utilized for a quick and successful plan review.
- Opening a Food Service Establishment in Fort Bend County [PDF]
- General Requirements for Food Establishments 12-15-25 [PDF] (Important to review in its entirety to avoid delays on opening a food establishment)
- Dry Storage Calculator [XLS] - Do you have enough dry storage for the type and volume of food establishment you will be operating?
- Refrigeration Calculator [XLS] - Do you have the necessary refrigeration for the type and volume of food establishment you will be operating?
- FDA Hot Water Capacity Calc Tool [XLS] - Do you have the proper hot water heater or on demand system?
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Water Utility Service Agreement [PDF]
- Required to be completed by your utility before a permit can be obtained
- Safety - Below you can download safety signs to post that will educate your employees on practices that help prevent foodborne illness
- Handwashing - Washing hands before preparing food is crucial because it removes harmful bacteria and viruses, preventing their transfer to food and protecting against foodborne illnesses.
- Body Fluid Cleanup - How to remove VOMIT or DIARRHEA accidents
New Construction: Any new construction must apply for a permit and submit all required information and documents for a plan review. No construction can begin without receiving an Authorization to Construct (ATC). Once an ATC is received, a pre-opening inspection will be conducted. A permit will not be given until the successful passing of a pre-opening inspection.
Change of Ownership: PRIOR to operating an existing food establishment, YOU MUST apply for a Temporary Food Establishment Permit. Operation may begin for a change of ownership once a permit has been approved. In addition, a Food Establishment Permit must be applied for, along with applicable fees, within 30 days of obtaining a Temporary Food Establishment Permit.
To apply for a Food Establishment Permit, please navigate to https://myhealthdepartment.com/fbceh. If you do not already have a login, please create one. You will select "Food Safety Program" and then select the type of permit you are trying to acquire. It's important to read each application in it's entirety and provide all necessary documents in order to obtain your permit in a timely manner.