Retail Food Program FAQs - Mobile Food Facilities

Mobile Food Facilities

How do I obtain a permit for my food vehicle(s)?

- Obtain a "Mobile Food Vehicle/Cart" application. Complete the application and submit it along with the appropriate fees and necessary documents. Once our office has received the documents and fees, an appointment inspection will be arranged. If this is a new mobile food facility, three set of plans and plan check deposit must be submitted before construction begins.

What qualifies as a potentially hazardous food (PHF)?

- Food that is in a form capable of (1) supporting rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms that may cause food infections or food intoxications, or (2) supporting the growth or toxin production of clostridium botulinum.

What does not qualify as a potentially hazardous food (PHF)?

- "Potentially hazardous food" does not include foods that have a pH level of 4.6 or below, foods that have a water activity (aw) value of 0.85 or less under standard conditions, food products in hermetically sealed containers processed to meet the commercial sterility standard, as defined in Section 113.3(e) of Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or food that has been shown by appropriate microbial challenge studies approved by the enforcement agency not to support the rapid and progressive growth of infectious or toxigenic microorganisms that may cause food infections or the growth and toxin production of Clostridium botulinum.

Can any kind of food be sold off a mobile food facility?

- Mobile food facilities can handle pre-packaged PHF, whole fish and whole aquatic invertebrates, or the bulk dispensing of non-potentially hazardous beverages. All pre-packaged PHFs must either be kept at or below 41°F or at or above 140°F. Pre-packaged PHFs must be properly labeled. Whole fish and whole aquatic invertebrates may be packed in ice with adequate containment of liquid waste. Produce must be sold as whole and uncut.

Do I have to have a food handler's certificate?

- A food handler's certificate is required for mobile food preparation units. At this time mobile food facilities are not required to have a food handler's certificate, although obtaining one is highly recommended.

What is the difference between a mobile food facility and a mobile food preparation unit?

- "Mobile food preparation unit" means any mobile food facility or portable food service unit upon which food is prepared for service, sale, or distribution at retail. Mobile food preparation unit shall not include mobile food facilities from which pre-packaged food or approved non-packaged food is sold or offered for sale.

What types of non-packaged food are approved for sale on a mobile food facility?

- Non-prepackaged food which may be sold from mobile food facilities include:

Cappuccino, espresso, café latte, café macchiato, mocha, hot chocolate and other coffee-based or cocoa-based beverages that may contain cream, milk, or similar dairy products shall be made to order and immediately served to the consumer.
Frozen ice cream bars may be sold from mobile food facilities in an un packaged state if the frozen ice cream bars are pre-packaged at a facility approved by the enforcement agency and un packaged for the purpose of adding food condiments.
Non-prepackaged, pre-cooked hot dogs, popcorn, and snowcones may also be sold on a mobile food facility. Provided that the storage, display, and dispensing methods are approved by the enforcement agency.

Is my permit valid for other counties?

- No. You must obtain a separate environmental health permit for each County you wish to operate in.

How long can I stay at a location?

- If your location is in the unincorporated areas of the County then the Contra Costa County Ordinance (CCCO) applies. CCCO Section 413-3.1612 states that motorized mobile units shall be permitted for a maximum of one hour per day, per site. Non-motorized mobile units shall be permitted for a maximum of two hours per day, per site.

If your location is inside the city limits (incorporated) areas of the County, check with local municipal codes for restrictions on vending within city limits.

Can I barbecue alongside a mobile food facility?

- No. Barbecuing is allowed only on the same premises as, in reasonable proximity to, and in conjunction with, a food establishment, temporary food facility, or stationary mobile food preparation unit.

Do I have to have a commissary to be permitted?

- Yes. The exceptions are for mobile food facilities which sell only whole uncut produce and/or pre-packaged, non-potentially hazardous foods. Mobile food facilities, which are exempt from the commissary requirement, must provide copies of receipts where food is being purchased.

Do I have to be near a restroom?

- Yes. Mobile food facilities shall operate within 60 meters (200 feet) of approved and readily available toilet and hand washing facilities or as otherwise approved by the enforcement agency to ensure restroom facilities are available to facility employees.

Do I have to get a separate permit for a temporary event?

- If your operation categorizes you as a mobile food facility or a mobile food preparation unit and you have a valid Contra Costa Environmental Health Food Vehicle permit a separate temporary event permit is not required.

Can I park or store my mobile food facility or mobile food preparation unit at home?

- No. Mobile food facilities and mobile food preparation units must be stored at an approved commissary.

Is there a ceiling height requirement for mobile food facilities?

- Yes. A mobile food facility shall have a clear, unobstructed height over the aisle-way portion of the unit of at least 74 inches from floor to ceiling, and a minimum of 30 inches of unobstructed horizontal aisle space. This shall not apply to vehicles under permit prior to January 1, 1996.

What is the penalty for operating without a valid health permit?

- Three times the permit fee as a penalty and remain subject to other applicable penalties and enforcement procedures.

Can I set up extra tables next to my mobile food facility or mobile food preparation unit?

- No. All food that is given or sold must be stored on the mobile food facility or mobile food preparation unit. Table top displays are only allowed inside a temporary food event, swap meet or farmer's market.

Do I need a handwash sink?

- Yes. In Contra Costa County, a handwash sink is required for all mobile food facilities that have non-packaged food products.

Can I use magnetic signage for my vehicle/cart?

- No. Permanent signage is required on at least two sides of the exterior of the vehicle/cart. The name, address, and telephone number of the owner, operator, permittee, business name, or commissary shall be legible and clearly visible. The name shall be at least 3 inches high and shall have strokes at least 3/8 inch wide, and shall be of a color contrasting with the vehicle/cart exterior. Letters and numbers for address and telephone numbers shall not be less than one inch high.

Mobile Food Preparation Unit Check List (27k PDF, 2pp.)

Content provided by Contra Costa Health Services, Environmental Health Division.