The Department is responsible for overseeing compliance with a number of local (Aransas County Order # 99-39, Aransas Pass Ordinance # 2000-3716, Rockport Ordinance # 1168, Fulton Ordinance # 184) and state regulations (TFERS), including inspection of retail food establishments, day care and foster care facilities. Please contact us if you have any complaints or concerns regarding our local establishments.

FOOD HANDLER'S CLASS INFO

Each food establishment employee or volunteer who in the performance of their duties will come in direct contact with food items or food contact surfaces must attend the Food Handler Class prior to beginning work in a food establishment. Upon completion of the Food Handler Class, attendees will be issued a Food Handlers Permit. A $5.00 fee is charged for attendees who plan to receive wages for working in a food establishment. Food Handlers who provide volunteer services at non-profit booths will not be charge a fee. Employees of commercial booths at temporary events with current permits issued the regulatory authority of their area of residence will be given reciprocity by the Aransas County Department of Environmental Health.

Food Handler Classes are scheduled for the times and locations listed below (excluding county holidays). All classes are now held at the Aransas County Service Center, 1931 FM 2165. This is between the Rockport Post Office and Bypass 35. (FM 2165 is also known as Pearl Street.)

1)The first Tuesday of the month: 9 AM

2)The second Tuesday of the month: 1 PM (AND A SPANISH CLASS is at 3 PM)

3) The third Tuesday of the month: 6 PM

As of this time, we are NOT requiring pre-registration. Students may just arrive for the class.

**If you have lost your food handler card we will reissue one (with the original expiration date) at no charge.

Private classes may be taught on-site at the food establishment if the following requirements are met:

1) A minimum of 10 attendees.
2) First line supervisors attend the training along with their staff.

Permits are valid for three years from the date of the class.
Please contact (361) 790-0121 for additional information.

Food Protection Manager certifications are required for food establishments located within the city limits of Rockport and Fulton. Each establishment must have at least one certified employee on staff. Food Protection Manager certifications are obtained by successfully completing a Texas Department of Health accredited Food Protection Management Training Program. The following accredited programs are located in the nearby area.

Del Mar College (361) 698-1330

Texas Food Program (361) 881-9091

Please visit www.nraef.org for information on an online certification course.