Retail Food Safety Operations ● PO Box 149347, Mail Code 1987 ● Austin, Texas 78714-9347(512) 834-6753
Facsimile: (512) 206-3791 ● http://www.dshs.texas.gov/foodestablishments/
Page 1 of 3 05/09/2023
MOBILE FOOD UNIT
VARIANCE REQUEST TEMPLATE FOR A CENTRAL PREPARATION
FACILITY (CPF)
CENTRAL PREPARATION FACILITY REQUIREMENT:
According to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228.221(b)(1), a Mobile Food
Unit (MFU) must operate from a licensed Central Preparation Facility (CPF) or other
approved retail food establishment. The mobile food unit should report to such location(s)
daily for supplies and for cleaning and servicing operations. Servicing operations include
the flushing and drainage of liquid wastes and the filling of potable water. The area where
potable water is obtained and wastewater is disposed of is called the servicing area.
The mobile food unit operator must provide a signed letter of authorization during the pre-
licensing inspection if the establishment is not owned by the operator. The most recent
health inspection for the CPF shall be maintained on the MFU for review.
VARIANCE REQUEST:
It is highly encouraged to seek a location that can serve as a central preparation facility
(CPF), which can be a restaurant or manufacturing facility that meets the Texas Food
Establishment Rules. In the case a CPF is not available AND you have the ability rely
solely on the mobile food unit’s storage and preparation space, please proceed to fill out
the variance request. If approved, this will allow the MFU to operate without a CPF in
Texas DSHS jurisdiction. An approval letter will be issued and shall be maintained on the
MFU. This variance approval is NOT valid in local health department jurisdictions.
PLEASE READ!!!
YOUR VARIANCE REQUEST WILL NOT BE APPROVED WITHOUT SERVICING AREA
INFORMATION, INCLUDING A SIGNED LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION FROM THE
OWNER OF THE SERVICING AREA THAT GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO OBTAIN
POTABLE WATER AND DISPOSE OF WASTEWATER. IF MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ARE
USED AS SERVICING AREA, THEN A SIGNED LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION IS
REQUIRED FOR EACH LOCATION.
***A letter of authorization is not required if you own the property. Documents may
be requested to show adequate services are provided. ***
***Provide photos of inside and outside of unit and a menu with application.***
Retail Food Safety Operations ● PO Box 149347, Mail Code 1987 ● Austin, Texas 78714-9347(512) 834-6753
Facsimile: (512) 206-3791 ● http://www.dshs.texas.gov/foodestablishments/
Page 2 of 3 05/09/2023
REQUESTOR INFORMATION
Name of establishment: License/File number:
Mailing address:
Applicant Name: Phone Number: ________
Email Address: __________________________
Public health rationale must be provided as justification for the variance. To provide the
necessary rationale, please answer “Yes” or “No” to the statements below. Some of the
statements will ask for more information. You must provide the requested
information. You may provide additional pages or pictures for your explanations.
Variance Request Rationale
Yes/No
There is sufficient space required for food storage, preparation, cooking, cooling or otherwise
handling food to prevent cross contamination and other health hazards.
All food, food equipment, utensils and single service articles are stored on the MFU in a
manner to avoid contamination as specified in TFER.
The manual warewashing sink compartments are large enough to immerse all equipment and
utensils on the unit to be properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized.
Potable water is obtained from an approved source and NOT an untested private water well
OR a private residence. The potable water tank shall be permanently installed.
Provide physical address of the facility from where potable water will be obtained:
Sewage and other liquid wastes are removed from the Mobile Food Unit at an approved waste
servicing area or by a sewage transport vehicle in such a way that a public health hazard or
nuisance is not created. This CANNOT be done at a private residence. The MFU must have a
permanently installed waste retention tank.
Provide physical address of the wastewater disposal facility:
All food handling preparation is required to take place inside the mobile food unit. No food
preparation, food storage, dry storage, etc. will take place at a private residence or at any
other location.
Retail Food Safety Operations ● PO Box 149347, Mail Code 1987 ● Austin, Texas 78714-9347(512) 834-6753
Facsimile: (512) 206-3791 ● http://www.dshs.texas.gov/foodestablishments/
Page 3 of 3 05/09/2023
PLEASE REMEMBER!!!
IF APPLICABLE, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE
SERVICING AREA. THIS CAN BE A PHYSICALLY SIGNED HANDWRITTEN LETTER
BY THE OWNER OF THE SERVICING AREA. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL CAUSE
DELAY IN YOUR PERMITTING PROCESS.
I, ____________________________, owner or authorized manager (circle one), request
a variance of rule §228.221(b)(1) concerning the requirement for a Central Preparation
Facility. In good faith, I have accurately answered all of the questions related to my
request.
Signature of owner or authorized manager:
Date:
Submit your request by mail, fax, or email to:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Retail Food Safety Operations
PO Box 149347 MC1987, Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Or Fax to
Texas Department of State Health Services
Retail Food Safety Operations
Attention: Compliance Officer
(512) 206-3791
Or Email to
