Tomball Farmers Market requires all vendors selling food/drinks to be in compliance with all local, state and Federal laws including Harris County Health Department and TDA. Tomball Farmers Market reserves the right to require additional health safety measures in order to protect the community and organization. Any changes will be given by written notice via this website, email and/or social media as needed.
Minimum Requirements for Food /Drink Sales:
Current Business Liability Insurance
Current up to date Food Handler Permits for employees who will be handling/preparing the food.
Current Harris County Health Permits for Farmer Market Permit which replaces Samplers & Temporary Event Permits. (July, 2021)
Labels must be on all pre-prepared food products. The labels must include the following information:
The name and physical address of the cottage food production operation;
The common or usual name of the product;
If a food is made with a major food allergen, such as eggs, nuts, soy, peanuts, milk or wheat that ingredient must be listed on the label; and
The following statement: "This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department."
Labels must be legible.
Also, cottage operator selling frozen raw or uncut fruits must label or provide on invoice or receipt the following statement in at least 12-point font: "SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria, keep this food frozen until preparing for consumption."
For each batch of pickled fruit or vegetables, fermented vegetable products, or plant-based acidified canned goods, a cottage food production operation must: label the batch with a unique number.
If the product is a TCS (Time and Temperature Controlled Safety): Food/Drink Items must be kept on temperature at all times during delivery and throughout the market day. You must bring the proper temperature thermometer required by HCPH to check your temperatures for hot and cold Foods.
Some foods can be made in home kitchens while other foods will need to be made in a commercial kitchen. For more information please refer to the previous page for the link to Harris County Health Department FAQ & Other Pages on our site.