Permit And Operational Requirements

Foods produced in a residential or non-commercial kitchen may not be distributed to the public. All producing kitchens must hold a current health permit.

A City of Arlington Temporary Food Establishment Permit is NOT REQUIRED when:

• Distributing only whole, uncut fruits and vegetables
• Distributing pre-packaged, non-potentially hazardous foods prepared in a health-permitted kitchen (current health permit or copy of most recent health inspection required).
  • All pre-packaged food product must be labeled with the producer's identifying information, ingredients and weight. Vendors may view labeling requirements at the FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration Code of Federal Regulations
  • A Food Manufacturer's license from the Food and Drug Licensing Group of the Texas Department of State Health Services may be required. Vendors may contact the State directly at 512-834-6626 or 6670. Or contact the local office of the Texas Department of State Health Services, Health Service Regions 2 & 3, located at 1301 S. Bowen Rd., Suite #200, Arlington, TX 76013, 817-264-4500. Or request information at email: wdeveloper@dshs.state.tx.us

NOTE: Sampling is considered an open food product and requires a City of Arlington Temporary Food Establishment Permit.

A City of Arlington Temporary Food Establishment Permit is REQUIRED when:

• Distributing any open or potentially hazardous foods. Samples are considered an open food product and require a permit.
  • Vendors may apply for a Temporary Food Establishment Permit at ArlingtonPermits.com.
  • Food safety guidelines for Temporary Food Establishments may be found in the Texas Food Establishment Rules. The guidelines are very minimal but are vital to the health of the community and Farmer's Market visitors. If vendors cannot safely operate within these guidelines the proposed scope of operation must be reconsidered.
  • If vendors are preparing and packaging foods for distribution, then a Food Manufacturer license from the Food and Drug Licensing Group of the Texas Department of State Health Services may be required. Vendors may contact the State directly at 512-834-6626 or 6670. Or contact the local office of the Texas Department of State Health Services, Health Service Regions 2 & 3, located at 1301 S. Bowen Rd., Suite #200, Arlington, TX 76013, 817-264-4500. Or request information at email: wdeveloper@dshs.state.tx.us
  • To avoid late fees vendors must apply for the Temporary Food Establishment Permit at least 10 days prior to the first day of operation.

All wastewater, including water from hand wash stations or ice displays must be disposed of at a sanitary sewer location. Wastewater cannot be disposed of on the ground or in the storm drain. Should you require additional information, please contact Health Services at 817-459-6693.

• Texas Department of State Health Services - Food Manufacturer's General Information