DSHS Registration
Why register with DSHS?
SB 541 has provided 3 separate and distinct opportunities to register with DSHS:
- You can register with DSHS to get a unique identifier number to put on your labels instead of your home address. If you don’t want to register, you can keep using your home address.
- You must register with DSHS if you want to begin selling foods that require Time and Temperature Control for Safety (foods that require refrigeration).
- A person who wishes to become a “Cottage Food Vendor” to sell cottage foods wholesale at a farmer’s market, farm stand, retail store, or food establishment must register with the Department. Registration is only required for the 3rd party who is going to be SELLING the food, not the actual cottage food producer (for example, the owner of the restaurant buying your food to sell in his restaurant would register).
How do I register?
Link: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments
Scroll down to “Legislative Updates”
Registration hints
- REGISTRATION IS FREE
- Do not try to do this on your phone or iPad, it’s a mess; use a desktop PC.
- Use the Guidance Document PDF as you go through the process, it is NOT intuitive.
- You do NOT have to enter your SSN, birthdate, or EIN.
- At step 4 on the Guidance Document PDF, you won’t see on your screen what the PDF says you’re supposed to see. This is where it looks like you can’t move forward without entering your SSN and birth date. Clicking ‘Main Menu’ should get you to step 5.
- On step 13, you do not have to list every product you intend to sell, and you do not have to update your registration if you decide to add products.
- You may not see your registration number immediately, and it will not be on your confirmation email. You may need to log out and log back in a couple of times to see it.
- Right now you cannot update your registration, although this function will be available later.
FAQ about registration:
Q: Does registering with DSHS open me up to inspections of my home kitchen, or any additional regulation?
A: No, this is literally just a registration, not a back door to further regulation. DSHS or a local health department still can’t inspect your kitchen, ask to see pictures of your kitchen, or regulate your cottage food business in any way. The only way they can come into your house is if they convince a judge that your operation poses a serious and immediate threat to human life and health, and they get a warrant to enter.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Registration is free.
Q: If I am not selling foods that require refrigeration, and I don’t want to be a cottage food vendor, and I am fine with the home address on my labels, is there any reason for me to register?
A: No.