HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-0071 - 2026-06-02 - Informal ReportINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0071
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
June 2, 2026
Page 1 of 2
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF CITY-DSHS CONTRACTOR MODEL FOR MOBILE
FOOD VENDOR INSPECTIONS
The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide information on the option for the City of Fort Worth
to enter into an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with the Department of State Health Services
(DSHS) for the inspection of mobile food vendor (food truck) operations. Under this state contractor
model, the agreement authorizes inspection services only; it does not grant local governments any
permitting or enforcement authority at this time.
The current regulatory authority for permitting and conducting annual health inspections of food
trucks is Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH). On July 1, 2026, new state legislation will take
effect establishing a statewide health permit for mobile food vendors. Under this framework,
vendors must obtain a Mobile Food Vendor License from the Department of State Health
Services (DSHS).
DSHS is offering Interlocal Cooperation Contracts to counties and municipalities that would
reimburse them for performing health permit inspections, responding to complaints, and
conducting food -borne illness investigations. It is anticipated that TCPH will enter into an
Interlocal Cooperation Contract with DSHS.
Under an Interlocal Cooperation Contract, the local government contractor will:
• Provide food truck inspection services and complaint investigations assigned by DSHS,
and submit accurate, complete inspection reports using DSHS software.
• Ensure personnel conducting inspections hold a Registered Sanitarian license, or
equivalent, and are trained to verify compliance with state regulations.
• Notify DSHS of any violations and recommend appropriate state enforcement actions to
prevent imminent health hazards.
• Recommend voluntary closure of operations and disposal of unsafe foods to DSHS when
necessary.
• Adhere to all DSHS Mobile Food Vendor Standard Operating Procedures.
Under an Interlocal Cooperation Contract, DSHS will:
• Assign inspections for pre -licensing, routine, compliance, complaint, and food -borne illness
investigations on an ongoing basis.
• Provide training and guidance documents to City staff.
• Review inspection reports and take enforcement actions, as needed.
• Conduct all compliance and enforcement procedures, processes, and notifications.
• Provide access to DSHS software.
Expenses for performing the contracted services will be reimbursed monthly by DSHS. The local
government contractor is expected to submit a detailed invoice each month. According to a draft
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 26-0071
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
June 2, 2026
Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF CITY-DSHS CONTRACTOR MODEL FOR MOBILE
FOOD VENDOR INSPECTIONS
agreement, the reimbursement amount is capped and will be based on the following
reimbursement structure:
Table 1: DSHS Mobile Food Vendor (MFV) Inspection Reimbursement Schedule
Inspection Type Reimbursement Amount
Type I MFV Inspection (e.g., cookies, cakes) $250
Type 11 MFV Inspection (e.g., snow cones, nachos) $350
Type III MFV Inspection (e.g. tacos, hamburgers, pizzas) $400
Table 1 reflects reimbursement rates for MFV inspection activities.
The City of Fort Worth has the option to enter into an Interlocal Cooperation Contract directly with
DSHS. At this time, the Environmental Services Department does not recommend pursuing a
direct agreement because the contract is limited to inspection services only. Under this model,
local governments do not have the authority to obtain immediate compliance when violations are
observed. Instead, the City may only conduct inspections and report violations to DSHS, which
retains full enforcement authority.
Additionally, the reimbursement rate offered to local governments for performing inspections may
not fully cover the actual costs incurred to provide these services.
At this time, staff recommend that the City of Fort Worth support TCPH in serving as the DSHS
contractor and reserve the option to enter into an Interlocal Cooperation Contract in the future, if
needed. City staff will continue to monitor the implementation and impacts of the new regulations
to determine the most efficient and effective approach for supporting food trucks and the broader
community.
Environmental Services staff will continue to investigate complaints related to illegal food vending
(pop-up tents, roadside vendors). Staff will also continue coordinating with the Police Department
to schedule monthly weekend -evening surveillance operations to address unpermitted vendors,
including food truck zoning violations.
For questions on this report, please contact Wyndie Turpen, Assistant Environmental Services
Director, at 817-392-6982.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS