# Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.003: SALE FROM SELF-SERVICE CONTAINERS

> Texas · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.003

## Section

- **Citation:** Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.003
- **Heading:** SALE FROM SELF-SERVICE CONTAINERS
- **Jurisdiction:** Texas
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TX Code / Code hs / Chapter 438 / Section 438.003

## Text

(a) A person may sell unpackaged food that is displayed and sold in bulk from a self-service container if:

(1) the self-service container has a tight-fitting lid that is securely attached to the container; and

(2) the container, lid, and any utensil are constructed of nontoxic materials that provide for easy cleaning and proper repair.

(b) The lid of a gravity feed type container shall be kept closed except when the container is being serviced or refilled.

(c) The lid of a scoop utensil type container shall be kept closed except during customer service. The container must have a utensil, equipped with a handle, to be used in dispensing the food.

(d) The seller shall:

(1) keep the container, lid, and any utensil sanitary to prevent spoilage and insect infestation; and

(2) post in the immediate display area a conspicuous sign that instructs the customer on the proper procedure for dispensing the food.

## Nearby sections

- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.001 § 438.001. DEFINITIONS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.001.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.002 § 438.002. EXEMPTIONS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.002.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.003 § 438.003. SALE FROM SELF-SERVICE CONTAINERS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.003.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.004 § 438.004. STRICTER RULES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.004.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.005 § 438.005. SALE OF UNPACKAGED FOOD; CRIMINAL PENALTY.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.005.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.006 § 438.006. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.006.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.011 § 438.011. DEFINITIONS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.011.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.012 § 438.012. USE OF UNCLEAN DISHES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.012.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.013 § 438.013. CLEANING DISHES, RECEPTACLES, AND UTENSILS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.013.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.014 § 438.014. STERILIZATION OF FOOD SERVICE ITEMS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.014.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.015 § 438.015. USE OF DAMAGED DISHES, RECEPTACLES, OR UTENSILS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.015.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.016 § 438.016. NAPKINS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.016.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.017 § 438.017. PROTECTION OF OTHER FOOD SERVICE ITEMS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.017.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 438.018 § 438.018. CRIMINAL PENALTY.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.018.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C438_S438.003. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.