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A Mobile Food Facility, commonly known as a food truck or food cart, is a vehicle used for a variety of food activities. Since food or beverages may not be stored or prepared at a private home, all food vehicles are required to operate in conjunction with an approved commissary. A commissary is a food facility approved by this agency, which has space for storage of these types of vehicles and can provide them with daily cleaning, servicing, food supply storage and food preparation facilities. A mobile support unit (MSU) may be used to provide onsite cleaning and services to carts. The MSU would transport food off the cart at the end of the day for approved storage at the commissary. MSU must also be serviced, cleaned and stored in an approved commissary.
A Mobile Food Facility, commissary and MSU would need to obtain a valid health permit before starting business in the County of Orange. To obtain a health permit, plans need to be submitted and approved prior to construction. After a health permit is issued, an Environmental Health Specialist continues to provide inspection, information, and guidance to the operator to ensure the food is handled in a safe manner. Mobile Food Facilities may also require approval of other agencies before operating. If you are interested in operating a mobile food facility, please contact us at (714) 433-6416 and we can provide you with free guidelines to help you attain approval.
There are different types of mobile food facilities, which operate in Orange County. Here are some examples:
Unpackaged Trucks/Trailers
These types of mobile food facilities, also known as catering trucks, taco trailers or hot trucks, are fully enclosed vehicles used for a variety of food preparation activities. All food preparation and cooking must occur inside the vehicle.
 Prepackaged Trucks
These mobile food facilities must store and sell prepackaged food only. If prepackaged perishable foods are sold, approved refrigeration is required for these units. Prepackaged grocery vehicles and ice cream trucks are a couple of examples.
Unpackaged Carts
These carts can serve unpackaged food with limited food preparation and operation. Examples of typical food items sold from these carts include churros, pretzels, popcorn, shaved ice, hot dogs, and coffee/cappuccino.
 Prepackaged Carts
These types of carts are permitted to sell prepackaged foods such as prepackaged ice cream and chips.
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