Prepared food preparation and food products procedures and practices are mandated by various state and local regulations. Specific guidelines have been established for vendors selling at farmers markets. All vendors are responsible for following these regulations in accordance with accepted practices. This page provides a starting point to see if you are in compliance with all required preparation and handling practices.
Texas Cottage Food Laws
The Texas Cottage Food Laws bill was updated in September 2019. The relevant bill is SB 572. A link to a pdf version of this governing bill follows:
A very good research source that provides a comprehensive outline about everything you need to know about starting your home food business in Texas can be found at https://texascottagefoodlaw.com.
Although this shouldn’t be considered as legal advise, this is a very comprehensive source of information that covers the relevant laws, permit and labeling requirements and provides FAQs and checklists. we recommend all prepared food vendors, including vendors offering canned food items and bakers to review this website.
Lubbock Required Permits
The City of Lubbock Health Department issues food permits. City permits must be obtained by the Wednesday before the market. To see if you are required to have a permit to sell your products at a farmers market, you can contact them directly using the following information;
Contact Environmental Inspection Services at (806) 775-2928 if you are within the city limits. Call the Texas Department of State Health Services, Region 1 at (806) 744-3577 if you are outside the city limits.
Egg Permits
The city of Lubbock requires a specific permit to sell eggs. Our egg providers can get a special permit for the season, rather than a permit for each market. Be sure to tell them you will be selling eggs at the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market. The contact our existing egg vendors have used is Chuck in Environmental Services. A good information source about selling yard eggs in Texas was prepared by Texas A&M Agrilife Extension can be reviewed by following this link. Selling Yard Eggs in Texas
Food Trucks
Food Trucks must have specific permits and inspections from the City of Lubbock Environmental Health Department. They have published the following information;
The information on this page has been provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advise. All vendors are personally responsible for any permits or legal requirements governing the sell of their products. We hope the information provided here will help you navigate the requirements that apply to your specific situation