Laredo Public Health Department updates business owners on new food permit law

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - If you operate a restaurant or food business, some changes are coming regarding food permit applications.

On Friday morning, August 22, the Laredo Public Health Department conducted its second informational session regarding Senate Bill 1008 to educate business owners about the necessary details before the law takes effect.

The bill aims to standardize and streamline food permits in Texas, ensuring that restaurants and businesses are not charged duplicate fees. Additionally, restaurant owners who have a valid health permit from a health authority in Texas will not be required to obtain an additional permit or pay extra fees.

However, all restaurants in Laredo are required to register with the health department for inspection and compliance purposes. The Environmental Health Supervisor at the Laredo Health Department, Gilbert Garcia, states that the new permit fees are determined based on the restaurant’s food sales.

“If you’re a restaurant owner, you need to provide a gross annual volume sale, food sales. There are three tiers to that. There’s tier one, which is between $0 and $49,999. Tier two would be from $50,000 to $149,999. Tier three would be $150,000 and over,” Garcia said.

If a restaurant is unable to provide its gross annual food sales volume, health inspectors will find a way to assess the potential food safety risks at that establishment. Garcia notes that the changes to food truck permits will take effect next July. Additionally, prepackaged food will not require a retail food establishment permit.

Those found operating a food business without following these new regulations may receive a citation from the health department.

For more headlines, click here.