The Foods Group is part of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Division for Regulatory Services. The Foods Group regulates food manufacturers, wholesale food distributors, salvage establishments, and bottled and vended water establishments.
Regulatory authority has been granted to DSHS, under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the Food Drug, and Cosmetic Salvage Act of the Texas Health and Safety Code, to prevent the unlawful manufacture or distribution of adulterated and misbranded food. In addition to the regulatory responsibilities, focus is directed to food safety and the education of firms that manufacture and distribute food in the State of Texas.
The Foods Group Inspection Unit has field investigators situated across the state who perform routine inspections, respond to disasters and citizen complaints, and provide technical assistance to regulated industry.