The City of Coppell Food Program is responsible for protecting the public health by inspecting for food safety in restaurants, grocery stores, public and private schools, daycares and other retail food establishments. A food establishment health permit is required for all businesses or organizations that provide perishable foods, whether prepackaged or non-prepackaged, to the public. Permanent establishments as well as temporary events are required to apply for a food permit, regardless of whether there is a charge for the food. Restaurants, grocery stores, carnivals, barbecues, concession stands, mobile vendors, and temporary vendors are a few cases in which food permits are required. An establishment is inspected routinely and on a complaint basis, two to six times a year.

In March 2006, the Texas Department of State Health Services adopted the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) as the minimum food code for the State of Texas. The City of Coppell adopted the TFER with amendments in October 2006.
 

Click here to view the "Texas Food Establishment Rules" without amendments.

Click here to view the City of Coppell Food Ordinance amendments.
 

Certified Food Service Manager

The City of Coppell requires a Certified Food Protection Manager for all establishments that have employees whose work brings them in contact with the handling of food, utensils, or food service equipment. Click here for more information on Certified Food Protection Manager recognized exams and testing agencies.
 

Complaints Concerning Restaurants

To report a possible foodborne illness or unsanitary condition at a food service establishment, contact the Environmental Health Department at 972-462-5177 or 5164.
 

Home Preparation

During the 82nd Legislative Session, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 81 allowing individual's to produce and sell baked goods, canned jam and jelly, and dried herb or herb mix in an individual's home kitchen. Cottage food production operations are not licensed or inspected by the local health departments.  However, a cottage food production operation can only sell the foods produced directly to the consumer from the cottage food production location.  Sales will not be allowed at farmers markets or temporary events.  If food is produced for sale at a farmers markets, temporary events, or avenues other then the producer's home, it must be prepared at a commercial facility that is inspected by a federal, state or local health authority.  To learn more about the Cottage Food Production Operation, click here.
 

Catering Services

A person operating a catering service shall be affiliated with a food establishment that is permitted by the Health Department having jurisdiction over the area where the facility is located.
 

Remodeling

If you are planning to buy or remodel a pre-existing restaurant, contact the Health Department prior to purchase. There may be some wall and floor finishes that do not meet current health code and will have to be changed in order to comply. Commercial grade equipment is required. Domestic kitchen equipment is prohibited. After the purchase of a new restaurant, the owner will need to apply for a new Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) with the City of Coppell Building Inspection Department, and a new Health Permit from the Environmental Health Department.