Relating to certified food managers in food establishments in certain counties.
If passed, HB 2428 would modify existing laws under the Health and Safety Code, particularly Section 437.0075, which currently addresses requirements for food managers. The amendment would empower certain populous counties to enforce additional regulations regarding the supervision of food preparations and service. Moreover, it specifies that food establishments that only handle prepackaged food and do not engage in food preparation or packaging are exempt from the requirement to have a certified food manager on staff, thus streamlining regulations for those establishments.
House Bill 2428 introduces regulations concerning certified food managers within food establishments, specifically targeting populous counties in Texas with populations of at least 4 million. The bill mandates that these counties may require a certified food manager to be present during the hours of operation at food establishments. This legislative measure is aimed at enhancing food safety and ensuring that food handling protocols are upheld in larger metropolitan areas where the risk associated with foodborne illnesses may be higher due to the sheer volume of food service activities.
Discussions surrounding HB 2428 may potentially stimulate debate regarding the balance of local control versus state-mandated frameworks. Some stakeholders may argue that requiring certified food managers in certain counties could lead to improved public health outcomes and elevated standards in food safety. However, opponents could express concerns about the financial burden placed on small food establishments that may struggle to comply with staffing requirements. There may also be discussions about the adequacy of food manager training and whether the prescribed training is sufficient to meet the safety demands within these busy establishments.