Show All Answers

1. Do I need a permit to sell food?

This depends. Anyone inside of Wichita County must have a permit to sell or give away food to the general public, unless the food falls under the Texas Cottage Food Law.

2. Can I sell food cooked at home?

Only Cottage Foods may be prepared at home. Cottage Food Laws and Information can be found here. 

3. What types of food can I sell from my home?

Cottage Foods that may be produced in the home are: 

• Any food, excluding meat, that does NOT require Time or Temperature Control for Safety. Hot meals, tamales, pizza, casseroles, tacos, ice cream, etc. are not allowed as a cottage food.
• Baked goods that do not require refrigeration including bread, rolls, buns, biscuits, bagels, croissants, pastries, doughnuts, Danishes, cakes, tortes, pies, tarts, muffins, lemon squares, cookies, large pretzels, and tortillas. Flan, pumpkin pie, cream pies, meringue pies, and tres leches cake are not allowed as a cottage food.  
• Candy including fudge, divinity, peanut brittle, toffee, chocolate, chocolate-dipped pretzels, chocolate-dipped Oreos, marshmallows, rice cereal treats, etc.
• Coated and uncoated nuts
• Unroasted nut butters
• High acid or acidified fruit butters like apple, apricot, grape, peach, plum, quince, and prune butters, as long as the pH is 4.6 or below. Low acid fruit butters like pumpkin butter, pear butter, or banana butter, are not allowed as a cottage food.
• Canned jams and jellies
• Fruit pies including pecan pie, fruit cobblers, fruit crisps/crumbles, apple brown betty, cooked fruit tarts and tatins, etc. Pumpkin pies and cream pies are not allowed as a cottage food.
• Dehydrated fruits and vegetables including dried beans
• Popcorn and popcorn snacks
• Cereal, including granola
• Dry mixes
• Vinegar
• Pickles
• Mustard
• Roasted coffee or dry tea
• Dried herbs or herb mixes
• Canned acidified plant-based foods with a pH of 4.6 or less. Low acid canned foods like canned green beans or canned baby food are not allowed as cottage foods.
• Fermented vegetables with a pH of 4.6 or less*
• Pickled fruits or vegetables with a pH of 4.6 or less*

For more information click here.

4. Am I required to have a food handlers card where I work?

If your employer sells or serves food that is not pre-packaged, the answer is yes. Even Cottage Food Operations must have food handlers cards.

Examples of pre-packaged foods include chips, candy, milk, ice cream, frozen entrees, etc. and would not require a food handler card.

5. Do I need a permit for my swimming pool?

Anyone inside the city limits of Wichita Falls, Burkburnett, Iowa Park, and Electra with a public or semi-public aquatic facility must have a permit. Please contact the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District Environmental Health Division at 940-761-7820. Residential home pools do not require a permit.

6. What is a manager of operations?

A designated person trained and responsible for maintaining and operating your swimming pool (minimum 1 required).

7. How often does the Health Department have pool classes?

Classes are scheduled throughout the year. For the most up-to-date schedule click here.

8. I want to open a small daycare, do I need a permit?

Yes, you need to contact the Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Licensing for our area at 940-249-0172.

9. Who should I contact if I suspect abuse?

The Texas Abuse Hotline can be reached at 1-800-252-5400. This will contact either CPS (Child Protective Services), CCL (Child Care Licensing), or APS (Adult Protective Services).

10. Do I need a permit to serve food to the kids at my commercial daycare?

Yes, a Food Permit is required. Please contact the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District Environmental Health Division at 940-761-7820.

11. When should my kids not go to daycare?

When they have a fever, diarrhea, or are vomiting.

12. How much chemical do I use to sanitize dishes?

Different chemicals used in sanitation have different requirements. It is important to read the label on your chemical and follow its application for its specific use. Do not use chemicals in any manor other that those specifically listed on the label. This is for your safety.

13. Who should I contact if I have a problem with my motel or hotel room?

Contact the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District's Environmental Health Division at 940-761-7820.

14. Should the sheets and towels in my motel or hotel room be changed daily?

If the same guest is staying in the same room for an extended amount of time, then they must be changed at a minimum of once per week. Otherwise, the sheets and towels should be changed after each guest leaves per our local ordinance found here.

15. Which permitted tattoo/piercing business is the cleanest?

All permitted businesses must adhere to the Texas Health and Human Services Tattoo and Body Piercing Studio Laws and Federal Laws. Body Art Establishments in the city limits of Wichita Falls must also follow our local Body Art Ordinance.

16. Where is the best place to get a tattoo or piercing?

Research the business and the artist, and inquire about experience.