Food Businesses Need County Health Approval

Food businesses in unincorporated Hidalgo County should check health rules early. County rules cover food service places, retail food stores, mobile food units, and roadside vendors in the county area, including some ETJ locations.

Most food business types need county approval. Cottage food is handled in its own way. Mobile vendors and temporary food events also have their own county guidance. Some cities use the county for inspections, so city hall may send you back to county health staff.

A lease, truck purchase, or market booth plan goes smoother when Environmental Health has weighed in. Contact the Edinburg office and ask which permit, inspection, and posting rules fit your exact setup.