Food Safety supports safe food service on campus through inspections, guidance, temporary food event review, and foodborne illness response. Risk Management Services works with campus departments, student organizations, food vendors, and event organizers to help reduce food safety risks and support compliance with applicable food safety requirements.

For questions about food safety on campus, email foodsafety@unt.edu.

Serving Food from an Outside Restaurant or Vendor

Outside food includes food brought to campus that is prepared by a restaurant, vendor, caterer, or other outside food service provider. Outside food must be reviewed and approved by Risk Management Services before the event.

Student organizations should submit outside food requests through Campus Labs. Departments and other non-student organizations should submit a Temporary Food Service Application.

When requesting approval for an outside food vendor, attach a copy or photo of the vendor’s current food permit. Vendor permits must be posted where they are visible to the public during the event.

A temporary food service application may not be required if food is provided by UNT Dining, Verde Catering, or another approved on-campus food establishment. An application may also not be required for prepackaged food or drinks that do not require refrigeration. Email foodsafety@unt.edu if you are unsure whether an application is required.

Tailgating and Cookout Events

Tailgating and cookout events must follow the Temporary Food Service Guidelines. Review the guidelines before the event and contact Food Safety with questions.

Cookout events may be inspected by Risk Management Services. Food service may be limited or stopped if food is not being handled, stored, prepared, or served safely.

Bake Sale Events

Bake sale items must be store-bought, purchased from UNT Dining, prepackaged, or prepared in accordance with Texas Cottage Food Law requirements. Items that require refrigeration, such as cheesecake, pumpkin pie, or items with cream cheese frosting, may not be sold under cottage food requirements.

Open food and open sampling are not allowed.

Submit a Bake Sale Application at least 10 business days before the event.

Potluck Events

Potluck events held on campus must follow the Temporary Food Service Guidelines. Departments and non-student organizations may hold an internal potluck only if the event is closed to the public.

Student organizations and student groups may not host potluck events on campus.

Report a Foodborne Illness Concern

If you believe you became ill after eating food sold or served on UNT property, contact your medical provider as soon as possible. A medical diagnosis can help Risk Management Services review and investigate the concern. Students may also contact the UNT Student Health and Wellness Clinic.

Risk Management Services responds to reports of suspected foodborne illness involving food sold or served on campus. Submit a Foodborne Illness Report Form, and the Public Health Program Manager will follow up.