Hello Ladies! We are looking forward to seeing everyone in the park soon! Texas Ladies State Chili Championship 2023.....changes are upon us....
The City of Seguin Environmental Health Department, under the direction of a new supervisor and additional inspectors will be enforcing the Texas Food Establishment Rules. All open to the public, food related events held within the Seguin city limits will be expected to abide by the Texas Administrative Code, TFER Section 228.222 , and the City of Seguin Ordinance Chapter 22 Article X.
What does this mean for Texas Ladies State? All cooks will be required to have a temporary food permit issued by the City of Seguin Environmental Health Department. The $25.00 fee will be paid by the City of Seguin as a sponsorship of the event, there will be no cost to the cooks this year.
A Food Handler's Certificate is required per group. The TLS Board of Directors will all obtain a certificate to satisfy this requirement.
There will be a Self -Inspection Chili Cook Off Checklist and Acknowledgement Form in the cook's goodie bags that must be signed by the cooks and will be collected by the health inspector as they visit our cook areas. Temporary Food Permits will be given to the cooks when cups are picked up. Please have them and the signed form readily available to speed along the inspection process.
Not all the requirements will pertain to our event. For example, in place of each cook area having a three basin wash area, etc... please have extra cooking utensils, personal/disposable tasting spoons and bleach wipes in your cook area. A food thermometer is on the list of requirements so bring one if you have it, if not you will get a lower score on inspection but will not be kept from competing. I have been assured the inspectors are there to educate, not alienate any cooks and will work with us since these rules, law, and ordinance is now being enforced.
Day trippers and last minute registered cooks will be issued a temporary food permit on Saturday morning. Please set up your cook area and begin to cook as you normally would.... if you still have questions after reading the FAQ section, please contact a TLS board member.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and let's have a great time at Texas Ladies State Chili Championship 2023!
Chili, Charity, Fun!
Texas Ladies State Chili Championship Board of Directors
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ #1 Why are temporary food permits required for TLS 2023? In the past the health department did not have the staff to enforce the TFER, so only one permit for the entire event was issued. Seguin has a new health department supervisor and more staff to handle the recent growth in the area.
#2 What is TFER and how does it apply to Texas Ladies State Chili Championship? Texas Food Establishment Rules, a more detailed description can be found at Texas.gov. and is Texas law. Texas Ladies State is held in a public venue, our judges are considered serving the public, therefore the TFER applies to us.
#3 What is the cost of the Temporary food Permit? No cost to the cooks in 2023. The $25.00 fee will be paid by Seguin Main Street Program as a sponsorship to TLS.
#4 Will the Temporary Food Permit be good for Sunday cookoff as well? Yes, permit is good for two weeks.
#5 Will each cook area be subject to inspection. Yes, the health department officials will visit each cook area, you will need to have your permit and signed check list acknowledgement (a copy will be in all the cook’s goody bags) readily available. The Health Department inspectors will work with all cooks to be sure we all are compliant and ready to cook!
#6 Will each cook have specific requirements for their cook station. Yes, each cook station will need to have extra utensils, tasting spoons for the cook, and bleach wipes. TLS will provide a centrally located hand wash station to avoid each cook needing the three basin wash station at their cook station.