Purpose of the District Order
The purpose of District Order 2026-1 is to safeguard public health and provide consumers food that is safe, unadulterated, and honestly presented. The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) Board adopts the Northeast Texas Public Health District food establishment rules, regulations, fees, and orders to establish the enforcement of state law and state rules for food service establishments, retail food stores, and temporary food service establishments as required to issue, deny, suspend or revoke food establishment permits pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapters 431-438 and amendments thereto. The current District Order 2024-2 amendments proposed are required to improve the effectiveness of the retail food protection program. The following items proposed are being introduced in the best interest of public health.
Summary of the current District Order
Download a digital version of District Order 2026-1. Digital links to the codes are referenced within the document.
Key Changes
One of the most significant changes affects food trucks and mobile food units.
Beginning July 1, 2026:
- Mobile Food Vendor permits will be issued directly by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
- NET Health will no longer issue local Mobile Food Unit permits.
- New Mobile Food Vendor(s) must obtain and maintain a valid DSHS permit before operating.
- Existing Mobile Food Vendor(s) must receive a DSHS confirmation letter and proof of payment to continue operating in Texas.
- NET Health may continue conducting inspections as a contracted inspection agency on behalf of DSHS.
District Order 2026-1 updates numerous definitions and regulatory provisions to reflect changes enacted during the 89th Texas Legislature.
Updates may include, but are not limited to, clarification of terminology related to:
- Cottage Food Operations
- Farmers Markets
- Food Producers
- Donated Food Distributing Organizations
- Temporary Food Establishments
- Mobile Food Vendors
- Food Truck Parks
- Certified Food Managers and Food Handlers
Who Is Affected?
This order applies to:
- Restaurants
- Retail food stores
- Caterers
- Temporary food vendors
- Farmers market vendors
- Food truck parks
- Childcare food facilities
- School food establishments
- Other permitted retail food operations within NET Health’s jurisdiction
View the Full District Order
For complete details, requirements, and fee schedules, please review the full District Order 2026-1 document.
