Food Safety Program

The purpose of the Food Safety Program at the University of Texas at Austin is to ensure that all food prepared, and/or distributed on campus by traditional restaurants or mobile vendors is safe for consumption. EHS staff is responsible for conducting a food safety inspection for all brick-and-mortar food establishments and mobile food vendors (food trucks) that operate on campus. As the health authority, EHS issues annual food permits to the permitted food vendors, kitchen facilities, and mobile food vendors operating on campus. EHS also reviews and approves temporary events that distribute food to the public on campus by staff, students, or vendors. 

If you believe you may have contracted a foodborne illness from an establishment at the university or have concerns about food safety, please call EHS at 512 471-3511.

Food Service Establishment Permitting (Permanent Facilities)

All permanent food establishments that prepare and serve food on university property must receive a “Permit to Operate a Food Enterprise” (operating permit) from EHS.  Each establishment pays an annual fee based on the number of employees, which covers the cost of the annual food service inspection. All food service establishment inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) which are directly adopted by the state of Texas from the FDA Food Code.

Permitting and Inspection information:

  • Operating permits must be posted/displayed in a prominent location within the establishment.
  • Each issued operating permit is valid for one year or until the end of the current fiscal year (August 31) regardless of the date of issue. 
  • Operating permits are automatically renewed unless EHS is notified of a change in writing. 
  • Operating permits are distributed electronically via email. If you have not received your permit please contact EHS at 512 471-3511.
  • EHS will schedule annual food service inspections at random throughout the fiscal year. 

Permitting procedures for new construction:

  • Prior to the commencement of construction, complete and submit the pre-treatment device notification form (PDF) to EHS (all food establishments must be connected to a pre-treatment grease interceptor).
  • EHS will review drawings and plans for compliance with TFER rules during TRT review.
  • EHS will inspect the food service space near the end of construction to ensure compliance with TFER rules and plan review comments.
  • EHS will inspect the food service establishment once construction is complete and prior to food operations beginning.
  • When all compliance requirements are met, an operating permit will be issued.
  • See the University of Texas New Food Establishment Guidelines (PDF) for additional information.

Permitting procedures for new vendors or renovated spaces:     

  • Prior to the commencement of construction, complete and submit the pre-treatment device notification form (PDF) to EHS and ensure all fixture counts are accurate. (Existing food service spaces should be connected to a pre-treatment grease interceptor however renovations may affect the interceptor performance)
  • Submit proposed menu(s) to EHS for review.
  • EHS will review drawings, plans, and proposed menu for compliance with TFER rules during TRT review.
  • EHS will inspect the food service space near the end of construction to ensure compliance with TFER rules and plan review comments.
  • EHS will inspect the food service establishment once construction is complete and prior to food operations beginning.
  • When all compliance requirements are met, an operating permit will be issued.
  • See the University of Texas New Food Establishment Guidelines (PDF) for additional information.

Temporary Food Events

A temporary food event is one in which a group, organization, or department wants to prepare or provide food for members of the public. A temporary food event form is required for any event in which Time/Temperature Controlled Foods (TCS) will be distributed to the public regardless of if the food is distributed for free or sold. TCS foods include, but are not limited to:

  • Cooked meats
  • Hamburgers and/or hotdogs
  • Breakfast tacos
  • Fajitas
  • Sausage wraps
  • Sliced melon, sliced tomato, or leafy greens.

Personnel handling TCS foods must follow these sanitation requirements (PDF).

TCS foods that are handled or prepared improperly can cause a foodborne illness. Temporary events must follow guidance for Temporary Food Setup Guide for University of Texas (PDF) and the Time as Control Guide (PDF).

IMPORTANT: The Temporary Food Event Application must be submitted to EHS at least 7 days prior to the event. Applications not submitted at least 7 days prior to the event are subject to being denied.  

A temporary food event application and approval is NOT required in the following instances:

  • If the event is intended only for the members of your group/organization, and the public will not receive TCS foods.
  • The event consists entirely of prepackaged, commercially processed, non-temperature-controlled foods such as candy bars, bagged chips, bottled water, soda, etc.
  • The event is a bake sale. While bake sales are not regulated by the health authority, the following specific signage required to comply with the Cottage Food Rules must be posted and visible to the customers: “This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department”.  Except for baked goods and prepackaged, commercially processed non-temperature-controlled items (candy, chips, water, sodas, etc.) no other food may be served at this event. 

Submit the Temporary Food Event Application to EHS 7 days prior to the event. 

Submit Temporary Food Event

Authorization is required whether your organization prepares the food or arrange for a caterer. 

Mobile Food Vendors

All Mobile Food Vendors (food trucks) wishing to operator on university campuses/property must have a Mobile Food Vendor Permit Inspection Report issued by UT Austin EHS. Mobile food vendors must be invited to the university or sponsored by a university department to obtain an operating permit from EHS. 

Food operating permit information:

  • Food operating permits for food trucks are valid for one year from the date the vehicle passed the inspection.
  • Food operating permits for food trucks do not automatically renew; a new inspection is required each year.
  • Food operating permits must be kept with the food truck at all times and presented on request. 
  • Food operating permits are non-transferrable. They are issued to, and only valid for, the specific food truck that was inspected. 

Permitting procedures for mobile food vendors: 

  • The food truck owner and the university department coordinate/negotiate contract terms.
  • The food truck owner/operator submits Fire Prevention Services (FPS) mobile vendor application at https://fireprevention.utexas.edu/special-events-permitting
  • The food truck owner/operator, or FPS, submits a request for an inspection to EHS via email at justin.pepper@austin.utexas.edu
  • EHS schedules an inspection of the food truck.
  • If all requirements are met, an operating permit is issued.

For more information regarding Mobile Food Vendors/Food trucks please view HOP 9-1710 University Operating Procedures for Food Truck Vending.

For more information about Mobile vending requirements please view the Mobile Vending Requirements.

Click here Mobile Food Inspection Report (PDF) to view a blank Mobile Food Vendor Permit Inspection Report.

Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborne illnesses are a major cause of disease in the United States. Some common foodborne illnesses include Norovirus , Salmonella, Clostridium Botulinum, and E. Coli. 

Important: If you think you may have contracted a foodborne illness from an establishment at the university, please call EHS at 512 471-3511 (Food Safety) or email justin.pepper@austin.utexas.edu.

For additional information on some common foodborne illnesses please see the following links:

References

 

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