Time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods.
Houston Code of Ordinances § 20-204
in effectSec. 20-204. - Time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods.
(a) Milk and fluid milk products offered for sale through vending machines shall be pasteurized, shall meet the Grade A quality standards as established by applicable laws, and shall be dispensed only in individual original containers.
(b) Milk and fluid milk products and fluid nondairy products (creaming agents) shall not be dispensed in vending machines as additional ingredients in hot liquid beverages or other foods.
(c) When condiments are provided in conjunction with food dispensed by a vending machine, they shall be:
(1) Packaged in individual portions in single-service containers; or
(2) Made available from condiment self-service dispensing equipment at those locations having an on duty attendant if sanitary facilities are provided in accordance with article II of this chapter.
(d) Fresh fruits which may be eaten without peeling shall be thoroughly washed in potable water at the packing plant by the processor or at the commissary before being placed in the vending machines for dispensing. The washed fruit shall be protected from contamination after the washing process.
(e) All food, other than fresh fruit, shall be stored or packaged in clean protective containers, and all food shall be handled and vended in a sanitary manner.
(f) Time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) food offered for sale through vending machines shall be dispensed to the consumer in the individual, original container or package into which it was placed at the commissary or at the manufacturer's or processor's plant.
Time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) food shall not be dispensed from bulk food machines.
(g) Time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) food shall be maintained at safe temperatures except as follows:
(1) During necessary periods of preparation and packaging; and
(2) During the actual time required to load or otherwise service the machine not to exceed ten minutes and for a maximum machine ambient temperature recovery period of 30 minutes following completion of loading or servicing operation.
(h) Vending machines dispensing time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) food shall be provided with one or more thermometers which, to an accuracy of 3 degrees Fahrenheit, indicate the air temperature of the warmest part of the refrigerated food storage compartment, or the coldest part of the heated food storage compartment, whichever is applicable.
(Code 1968, § 19-604; Ord. No. 83-744, § 1, 5-17-83; Ord. No. 07-1051, §§ 3, 6(Exh. B), 9-12-07; Ord. No. 2015-1202, § 96, 12-2-2015; Ord. No. 2025-743, § 27, 8-27-2025)
Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH20FODR_ARTIVVEMA_S20-204TITECOSATCFOFetched: 10/26/2026