Food and Custodial Health Services Frequently Asked Questions
- Certified Food Manager/ Handler Training (online training courses provided by private companies)
1. How do I go about opening my own food business?
First you must have access to a location that is zoned for that activity. Then, you must complete the City Certificate of Occupancy requirements. To complete this requirement, go to the Development and Business Services Center at 1901 S. Alamo and ask the clerks for assistance. Finally, you must purchase a Food Establishment License from Metro Health at the same location. If you need more information on how to start up a business, download the “Guide to Starting your Business” from the City's Economic Development Department. In addition, you can contact the EDD’s First Point Business Information Office at (210) 207-3900 and request assistance.
2. Can I prepare food or drink in my home and sell it?
No. This is a direct violation of State law, City health codes and City zoning codes.
3. How much does it cost to run a restaurant?
Expenditures vary considerably. You have to consider rent, utilities, labor, equipment, supplies, maintenance, and City Food Establishment License fees. If you need more specific assistance in determining the cost of starting up and running a business, call the Economic Development Department’s First Point Business Information Office at (210) 207-3900 and request an appointment with a business counselor.
4. How do I make a complaint about a restaurant?
Call 207-8853, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To report a complaint after hours call 207-8730 and leave a voice mail and we will call you back during normal business hours. Alternatively, you may email a complaint to samhd@sanantonio.gov and we will respond during normal business hours.
5. Can I sell food for a fundraiser or other temporary event?
Yes, but to do so you must operate on commercial property. Obtain a notarized letter from the property owner that: 1) grants you permission to conduct your fundraiser at that location, and 2) gives you access to restrooms on the property. Take your notarized letter to the Development and Business Services Center (DBSC), 1901 S. Alamo, to purchase a temporary food establishment license at least three (3) days prior to the event. You do not need additional permission to operate a temporary event from nearby restaurants, grocery stores, or other food establishments to have a temporary food event license. However, for mobile vendors, see question 6.
6. What do I need to do to sell food from my vehicle or the side of the road?
You are required to obtain a Mobile Vending License for the vehicle. To obtain one, first read the City Ordinance requirements.
Further, you must drive the vehicle which requires a license to the DBSC and ask the clerk for further assistance, as a vehicle inspection is required before the license can be issued.
In addition, to sell at a fixed location, you must do so on commercial property, with a notarized letter of permission from the property owner that also gives you access to restrooms on the property. You must also have notarized letters of permission from any licensed food establishment that is within three hundred feet of your mobile vending unit.
7. Can I sell food at my garage sale?
No. This is a direct violation of State law, City health codes and City zoning codes.
Where do I go to get a copy of the Texas Food Establishment Rules?
www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/pdf/TFER2006.pdf
Where do I go to review the City of San Antonio Food Ordinances?
www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=11508&sid=43
Where do I go to find out what is “legally harvested wild game”?
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/
Where do I go to inquire or complain about “over the counter” drugs?
www.dshs.state.tx.us/healthtopics/letterquery.asp?name=d
Where do I go for Day Care Licensing or inspection results?
www.txchildcaresearch.org
Questions about Federal food safety:
http://www.fda.gov/
