Mobile Food Unit/Pushcart: Plan Review for New Unit

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The Environmental Health program issues foodservice permits, conducts inspections, investigates foodborne illnesses and complaints, and provides guidance for Mobile Food Units and Pushcarts in Chatham County.

^{What is a Food Truck (Mobile Food Unit)?}A mobile food unit is a restaurant on wheels that is fully enclosed with floors, walls and ceilings. Some of the items it must have are refrigeration for cold storage, cooking equipment, hood system, utensil sink, handwashing sink, water heater and preparation space.

MFU 1

^{What is a Hot Dog Cart (Pushcart)?}

A pushcart is designed to prepare and serve hot dogs only and can be easily moved.

Hot dog Pushcart

^{What is a Commissary?}

Commissary is a food establishment that services a Mobile Food Unit or Pushcart. Mobile Food Units (MFUs)and Pushcarts must operate in coordination with an approved commissary or servicing area. During plan review, the menu, operating frequency, and limitations of both the MFU and commissary determine the required services and how often the MFU must return.

The commissary/servicing area must be a fixed, permitted facility (not temporary or mobile) and provide essential support such as food storage and preparation, potable water, waste disposal, equipment cleaning, and supply storage. It must be large enough to support its own operations and any MFUs using it. Approved commissaries may include shared‑use kitchens, restaurants, or licensed catering kitchens, depending on capacity and number of MFUs served.

Chatham County does not provide a list of commissaries. A commissary can be found by searching the Internet. Please keep in mind that any foodservice operation can serve as a commissary if they apply for a revision to their foodservice permit by submitting a foodservice remodel application, meet certain criteria and are approved through this Department.

Do you have questions for our Food and Lodging Program staff? Did you know that we offer in-office and phone consultations every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 9:30 am. No appointment necessary. Just give us a call at 919.542.8208 or come by the Environmental Health office located at 80 East Street, Pittsboro, NC.

Mobile Food Permits and Requirements

^{Do I need a Mobile Food Unit Permit?}

If you only serve coffee, tea, or lemonade these items are regulated by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Some other examples of foods that may be regulated by the Department of Agriculture are snow cones, shaved ice, ice cream, bakery products (muffins, cakes, baked fruit pies, doughnuts, funnel cakes, cookies etc.), popcorn, roasted nuts, cotton candy and commercially packaged foods.

For information contact the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services at 984-236-4820.

^{How do I get a Mobile Food Unit Permit?}

You may download this information here: Checklist for a Successful Mobile Food Unit Permit Application

Once a complete application has been submitted, plans will be reviewed and a response provided within 30 business days. When the plans have been approved, a construction evaluation/pre-opening inspection of the unit can be requested.

^{Requirements for a Mobile Food Unit Permit?}

^{Link to Wake County Environmental Health informational videos(English and Spanish)}

Before Submitting the Application

Become familiar with mobile food unit (MFU) requirements and what you will need to successfully apply for an MFU permit:
- Read through the .2600 Rules, Food Code, Matrix
Begin to identify the Commissary you will be using
- A commissary is a food establishment that serves as the base of operation for a food truck or hot dog cart. The following activities occur at the commissary:
  - The food truck/hot dog cart is required to visit the commissary every day of operation for servicing, cleaning, and supplies.
  - Washing/cutting/marinating of meats, produce, and vegetables
  - Cooking and cooling of foods
  - Storage of food, dry goods, and paper goods
  - Onload of water and offload of wastewater
Review the following guides:
- Review the MFU construction Design Guidelines
- Review Submittal Guide as it will be helpful when you are ready to apply
Gather the necessary documents:
- Complete application in the Open Gov Portal
- Menu
- Manufacturer Equipment Specification Sheets (MSS)
- Food Equipment Drawings (construction plans)
- Commissary Form

Submitting the Application

After Application Submission

Once a complete application has been submitted, plans will be reviewed, and a response provided within about 30 business days.
Once plans are approved and the MFU is constructed, review the Mobile Food Unit Construction Evaluation Checklist and General Requirements for Mobile Food Units. A construction evaluation of the unit can then be requested.
Secure a Commissary and upload the Commissary Form to the Open Gov Portal. An approved commissary is required in order to receive your permit.
Once the MFU or Pushcart is found compliant with the rules, a Food Service permit will be issued which allows you to begin operating.

Mobile Food Unit Resources