CHAPTER 10. Mobile Food Facilities [114294. - 114327.]

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC 10.
in effect

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114294. Section 114294.

(a) All mobile food facilities and mobile support units shall meet the applicable requirements in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 113700) to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 114250), inclusive, and Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 114380), unless specifically exempted from any of these provisions, as provided in this chapter. (b) The enforcement agency shall initially approve all mobile food facilities and mobile support units as complying with the provisions of this chapter and may require reapproval if deemed necessary. (c) Each mobile food facility that is either a special purpose commercial modular and coach, as defined by Section 18012.5, or a commercial modular coach, as defined by Section 18001.8, shall be certified by the Department of Housing and Community Development, consistent with Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 18025) of Part 2 of Division 13 and regulations promulgated pursuant to that chapter. The enforcement agency shall approve all equipment installation prior to operation.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114295. Section 114295.

(a) Except as specified in subdivision (b), all mobile food facilities shall operate in conjunction with a commissary, mobile support unit, or other facility approved by the enforcement agency. (b) (1) This section does not apply to mobile food facilities that operate at community events as defined in Section 113755 and that remain in a fixed position during food preparation and its hours of operation, if potable water and liquid waste disposal facilities are available to mobile food facilities requiring potable water. (2) This section does not apply to mobile food facilities that are certified mobile farmers’ markets, as defined in Section 113743, that only sell whole fruit and vegetables, cottage food products, and prepackaged nonpotentially hazardous foods. (c) Mobile food facilities shall be stored at or within a commissary or other location approved by the enforcement agency in order to have protection from unsanitary conditions. (d) Mobile support units shall be operated from and stored at a designated commissary and shall be subject to permitting and plan review. (e) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, a mobile food facility that is engaged in food preparation, other than limited food preparation, as defined in Section 113818, shall not operate in conjunction with a mobile support unit.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114297. Section 114297.

(a) Mobile food facilities shall be cleaned and serviced at least once daily during an operating day. (b) Except as specified in subdivision (c), all mobile food facilities shall report to the commissary or other approved facility on a daily basis. (c) Mobile food facilities that are serviced by a mobile support unit and that do not report to a commissary on a daily basis shall be stored in a manner that protects the mobile food facility from contamination. All food shall be stored at the commissary or other approved facility at the end of the operating day. (d) Mobile support units shall report to a commissary or other approved facility for cleaning, servicing, and storage at least daily.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114299. Section 114299.

(a) Except as specified in subdivision (c), the business name or name of the operator, city, state, ZIP Code, and name of the permitholder, if different from the name of the food facility, shall be legible, clearly visible to consumers, and permanently affixed on the consumer side of the mobile food facility and on a mobile support unit. (b) The business name shall be in letters at least 3 inches high. Letters and numbers for the city, state, ZIP Code, and permitholder name, if different from the business name, shall not be less than one inch high. The color of each letter and number shall contrast with its background. (c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), motorized mobile food facilities and mobile support units shall have the required identification on two sides.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114301. Section 114301.

(a) Except to the extent that an alternative construction standard is explicitly prescribed by this section, construction standards for mobile food facilities that are subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 18000) of Division 13 shall be governed by that part. (b) Mobile food facility equipment, including, but not limited to, cooking equipment, the interior of cabinet units, and compartments, shall be designed and made of materials that result in smooth, readily accessible, and easily cleanable surfaces. (1) Unfinished wooden surfaces are prohibited. (2) Construction joints and seams shall be tightly fitted and sealed so as to be easily cleanable. Silicone sealant or equivalent waterproof compounds shall be acceptable, provided that the gap is smaller than one-quarter inch and applied smooth so as to prevent the entrance of liquid waste or vermin. (3) Except as specified in Section 114314, nonportable equipment shall be an integral part of the primary unit. (c) Mobile food facilities that handle potentially hazardous foods, except for prepackaged frozen ready-to-eat foods, whole fish, and whole aquatic invertebrates, shall be equipped with refrigeration units as defined in Section 113885. (d) All new and replacement gas-fired appliances shall meet applicable ANSI standards. All new and replacement electrical appliances shall meet applicable Underwriters Laboratory standards. However, for units subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 18000) of Division 13, these appliances shall comply with standards prescribed by Sections 18028, 18029.3, and 18029.5. (e) Space around pipes, conduits, or hoses that extend through cabinets, floors, or outer walls shall be sealed. The closure shall be smooth and easily cleanable. (f) Equipment in which spillage is likely to occur shall have a drip tray fitted so that spillage drains into a waste tank. (g) All equipment shall be installed so as to be easily cleanable, prevent vermin harborage, and provide adequate access for service and maintenance. (1) Equipment shall be spaced apart or sealed together for easy cleaning. There shall be a minimum of four inches of unobstructed space provided for sanitary maintenance beneath counter mounted equipment or between the sides of adjacent equipment. (2) Portable equipment or machinery need not comply with the minimum leg height requirement. (3) Threads, nuts, or rivets shall not be exposed where they interfere with cleaning. Threads, nuts, or rivets that interfere with cleaning shall be sealed or capped. (4) All floor mounted equipment shall be sealed to the floor to prevent moisture from getting under the equipment, or it shall be raised at least six inches off the floor by means of an easily cleanable leg and foot. (h) Floors, walls, and ceilings of all enclosed food preparation areas shall be constructed so that the surfaces are impervious, smooth, and easily cleanable. Floor surfaces shall provide employee safety from slipping. The juncture of the floor and wall shall be coved with a 3 8 inch minimum radius coving, with the floor surface extending up the wall at least four inches. (i) Notwithstanding Section 114143, ground or floor surfaces where cooking processes are conducted from a grill, barbecue, or other unenclosed cooking unit on a mobile food facility shall be impervious, smooth, easily cleanable, and shall provide employee safety from slipping. Ground or floor surfaces in compliance with this section shall extend a minimum of five feet on all open sides of where cooking processes are conducted.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114303. Section 114303.

(a) Employee entrance doors to food preparation areas shall be self-closing and kept closed when not in use. (b) The mobile food facility, and all equipment and utensils shall be protected from potential contamination, and kept clean, in good repair, and free of vermin. (c) During transportation, storage, and operation of a mobile food facility, food, food-contact surfaces, and utensils shall be protected from contamination. (d) The permitholder of an unenclosed mobile food facility handling nonprepackaged food shall develop and follow written operational procedures for food handling and the cleaning and sanitizing of food-contact surfaces and utensils. The enforcement agency shall review and approve the procedures prior to implementation and an approved copy shall be kept on the mobile food facility during periods of operation.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114305. Section 114305.

(a) During operation, no food intended for retail shall be conveyed, held, stored, displayed, or served from any place other than a mobile food facility, except for the restocking of product in a manner approved by the enforcement agency. (b) Food preparation counter space shall be provided commensurate with the food operation, adjacent to all cooking equipment. (c) Except as specified in subdivision (d), food products remaining after each day’s operation shall be stored in an approved commissary or other approved facility. (d) Potentially hazardous foods held at or above 135ºF on a mobile food facility or mobile support unit shall be destroyed at the end of the operating day.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114306. Section 114306.

(a) A single operating site mobile food facility is restricted to produce, prepackaged food, and limited food preparation. (b) Notwithstanding Section 113984, a mobile food facility operating within a fully enclosed structure shall not be required to provide a secondary food compartment over food preparation areas. (c) A single operating site mobile food facility that is required to provide warewashing and handwashing facilities shall provide a warewashing sink and handwashing sink per site or operation. A warewashing and handwashing sink contained in a facility to which this subdivision applies shall be conveniently located so as to be accessible during all hours of operation. Additional handwashing sinks may be required pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 113953. (d) Notwithstanding Section 114095, a warewashing sink may be shared by not more than four mobile food facilities operating as a single operating site mobile food facility that is required to provide a warewashing sink, if the sink is conveniently located so as to be accessible during all hours of operation. (e) For purposes of permitting and enforcement, the permitholder of each single operating site mobile food facility location shall be the same.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114307. Section 114307.

Mobile food facilities that operate at community events and that remain fixed during food preparation and its hours of operation may: (a) Include a staffed counter that serves hot and cold beverages and ice that are not potentially hazardous food and that are dispensed from approved bulk dispensing units. (b) Store supplies and food that are not potentially hazardous in unopened containers adjacent to the mobile food facility or in a nearby temporary storage unit. “Unopened container” means a factory sealed container that has not been previously opened and that is suitably constructed to be resistant to contamination from moisture, dust, insects, and rodents. (c) Operate an open-air barbecue adjacent to the mobile food facility if approved by the enforcement agency.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114309. Section 114309.

(a) Mobile food facilities and mobile support units shall be exempt from the requirements of Sections 114250, 114256.1, and 114279. A local enforcement agency may exempt a push cart operating outdoors, other than a special purpose commercial modular and coach, as defined by Section 18012.5, or a commercial modular coach, as defined by Section 18001.8, that conducts only limited food preparation from Section 114149.1. (b) This chapter does not require any person to replace or modify an existing mobile food facility approved for operation prior to adoption of this part, so long as the facility is operated in accordance with the conditions of approval. Plans and specifications may be required by the enforcement agency if it determines that they are necessary to assure compliance with this part. (c) Mobile food facilities equipped with a one-compartment sink or two-compartment sink that was approved for operation prior to adoption of this part need not provide a three-compartment sink.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114311. Section 114311.

Mobile food facilities not under a valid permit as of January 1, 1997, from which nonprepackaged food is sold shall provide handwashing facilities. The handwashing facilities shall be separate from the warewashing sink. (a) The handwashing sink shall have a minimum dimension of nine inches by nine inches in length and width and five inches in depth and be easily accessible by food employees. (b) The handwashing facility shall be separated from the warewashing sink by a metal splashguard with a height of at least six inches that extends from the back edge of the drainboard to the front edge of the drainboard, the corners of the barrier to be rounded. No splashguard is required if the distance between the handwashing sink and the warewashing sink drainboards is 24 inches or more. (c) This section shall not apply to mobile food facilities handling only whole produce or the bulk dispensing of nonpotentially hazardous beverages.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114313. Section 114313.

(a) Except as specified in subdivisions (b) and (c), a mobile food facility where nonprepackaged food is cooked, blended, or otherwise prepared shall provide a warewashing sink with at least three compartments with two integral metal drainboards. (1) The dimensions of each compartment shall be large enough to accommodate the cleaning of the largest utensil and either of the following: (A) At least 12 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 10 inches deep. (B) At least 10 inches wide, 14 inches long, and 10 inches deep. (2) Each drainboard shall be at least the size of one of the sink compartments. The drainboards shall be installed with at least one-eighth inch per foot slope toward the sink compartment, and fabricated with a minimum of one-half inch lip or rim to prevent the draining liquid from spilling onto the floor. (3) The sink shall be equipped with a mixing faucet and shall be provided with a swivel spigot capable of servicing all sink compartments. (b) If all utensils and equipment of a mobile food facility are washed and sanitized on a daily basis at the approved commissary or other approved food facility, and the mobile food facility provides and maintains an adequate supply of spare preparation and serving utensils in the mobile food facility as needed to replace those that become soiled or contaminated, then the mobile food facility shall not be required to provide a warewashing sink to only handle any of the following: (1) Nonpotentially hazardous foods that do not require preparation other than heating, baking, popping, portioning, bulk dispensing, assembly, or shaving of ice. (2) Steamed or boiled hot dogs. (3) Tamales in the original, inedible wrapper. (c) An unenclosed mobile food facility that prepares potentially hazardous beverages for immediate service in response to an individual consumer order shall do one of the following: (1) Provide a three-compartment sink described in subdivision (a). (2) Provide at least one two-compartment sink that complies with subdivision (e) of Section 114099.3. (3) Provide a one-compartment sink with at least one integral metal drainboard, an adequate supply of spare preparation and serving utensils to replace those that become soiled or contaminated, and warewashing facilities that comply with subdivision (a) in reasonable proximity to, and readily accessible for use by, food employees at all times.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114314. Section 114314.

(a) Handwashing sinks and warewashing sinks for unenclosed mobile food facilities shall be an integral part of the primary unit or on an approved auxiliary conveyance that is used in conjunction with the mobile food facility. (b) Warewashing sinks for unenclosed mobile food facilities shall be equipped with overhead protection made of wood, canvas, or other materials that protect the sinks from bird and insect droppings, dust, precipitation, and other contaminants.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114315. Section 114315.

(a) A food facility shall be operated within 200 feet travel distance of an approved and readily available toilet and handwashing facility, or as otherwise approved by the enforcement agency, to ensure that restroom facilities are available to facility employees whenever the mobile food facility is stopped to conduct business for more than a one-hour period. (b) This section does not limit the authority of a local governing body to adopt, by ordinance or resolution, additional requirements for the public safety, including reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions pursuant to its authority under subdivision (b) of Section 22455 of the Vehicle Code.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114319. Section 114319.

(a) Spare tires, related automotive equipment, or special tools relating to the mechanical operation of the mobile food facility shall not be stored in the food preparation or food storage areas. (b) A separate cabinet or drawer shall be installed for the storage of insecticides or other poisonous substances in accordance with Section 114254, if these substances are used. All poisonous chemicals shall be kept in this cabinet or drawer in their original containers and in a manner that offers no contamination hazard to food or utensils. (c) During periods of inoperation, food and utensils shall be stored in one of the following methods: (1) Within approved food storage facilities at the commissary or other approved facility. (2) In food compartments approved by the enforcement agency where the food is protected at all times from contamination, exposure to the elements, ingress of rodents and other vermin, and temperature abuse.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114321. Section 114321.

Mobile food facilities that are occupied during normal business operations shall have a clear, unobstructed height over the aisleway 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 section shall not apply to vehicles under permit prior to January 1, 1996.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114322. Section 114322.

Compressor units that are not an integral part of food equipment, auxiliary engines, generators, and similar equipment shall be installed in an area that is completely separated from food preparation and food storage and that is accessible from outside the unit for proper cleaning and maintenance.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114323. Section 114323.

(a) A first-aid kit shall be provided and located in a convenient area in an enclosed case. (b) Mobile food facilities that operate at more than one location in a calendar day shall be equipped to meet all of the following requirements: (1) All utensils in a mobile food facility shall be stored so as to prevent their being thrown about in the event of a sudden stop, collision, or overturn. A safety knife holder shall be provided to avoid loose storage of knives in cabinets, boxes, or slots along counter aisles. Knife holders shall be designed to be easily cleanable and be manufactured of materials approved by the enforcement agency. (2) Coffee urns, deep fat fryers, steam tables, and similar equipment shall be equipped with positive closing lids that are fitted with a secure latch mechanism that will prevent excessive spillage of hot liquids into the interior of a mobile food facility in the event of a sudden stop, collision, or overturn. As an alternative to this requirement, a coffee urn may be installed in a compartment that will prevent excessive spillage of coffee in the interior of the unit. (3) Metal protective devices shall be installed on the glass liquid level sight gauges on all coffee urns. (c) Light bulbs and tubes shall be covered with a completely enclosed plastic safety shield or its equivalent, and installed so as to not constitute a hazard to personnel or food. (d) All liquefied petroleum equipment shall be installed to meet applicable fire authority standards, and this installation shall be approved by the fire authority. However, for units subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 18000) of Division 13, this equipment and its installation shall comply with standards prescribed by Sections 18028 and 18029.5. (e) A properly charged and maintained minimum 10 BC-rated fire extinguisher to combat grease fires shall be properly mounted and readily accessible on the interior of any mobile food facility that is equipped with heating elements or cooking equipment. (f) (1) Except for units subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 18000) of Division 13, a second means of exit shall be provided in the side opposite the main exit door, or in the roof, or the rear of the unit, with an unobstructed passage of at least 24 inches by 36 inches. The interior latching mechanism shall be operable by hand without special tools or key. The exit shall be labeled “Safety Exit” in contrasting colors with letters at least one inch high. (2) For units subject to Part 2 (commencing with Section 18000) of Division 13, the size, latching, and labeling of the second means of exit shall comply with standards prescribed by Sections 18028 and 18029.5. (g) All gas-fired appliances shall be properly insulated in a manner that will prevent excessive heat buildup and injury.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114325. Section 114325.

(a) Except on a mobile food facility that only utilizes the water for handwashing purposes, a water heater or an instantaneous heater capable of heating water to a minimum of 120ºF, interconnected with a potable water supply, shall be provided and shall operate independently of the vehicle engine. On a mobile food facility that only utilizes the water for handwashing purposes, a minimum one-half gallon-capacity water heater or an instantaneous water heater capable of heating water to a minimum of 100 ° F, interconnected with a potable water supply, shall be provided and shall operate independently of the vehicle engine. (b) A water heater with a minimum capacity of four gallons shall be provided for mobile food facilities that have a warewashing sink. (c) A mobile food facility equipped with a three-gallon-capacity water heater that is in compliance with this section on January 1, 2014, is in compliance with this section after that date.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114326. Section 114326.

All commissaries and other approved facilities servicing mobile support units, mobile food facilities, and vending machines shall meet the applicable requirements in this part and any of the following to accommodate all operations necessary to support mobile support units, mobile food facilities, and vending machines: (a) Adequate facilities shall be provided for the sanitary disposal of liquid waste from the mobile food facility or mobile support unit being serviced. (b) Adequate facilities shall be provided for the handling and disposal of garbage and refuse originating from a mobile food facility or mobile support unit. (c) Potable water shall be available for filling the water tanks of each mobile food facility and mobile support unit that requires potable water. Faucets and other potable water sources shall be constructed, located, and maintained so as to minimize the possibility of contaminating the water being loaded. (d) Hot and cold water, under pressure, shall be available for cleaning mobile food facilities and mobile support units. (e) Adequate facilities shall be provided for the storage of food, utensils, and other supplies. (f) Notwithstanding Section 113984, commissaries that service mobile food facilities that conduct limited food preparation shall provide a food preparation area. (g) Servicing areas at commissaries shall be provided with overhead protection, except that areas used only for the loading of water or the discharge of sewage and other liquid waste through the use of a closed system of hoses need not be provided with overhead protection. (h) Servicing areas used for cleaning shall be sloped and drained to an approved wastewater system. (i) Adequate electrical outlets shall be provided for mobile food facilities and mobile support units that require electrical service.

Cal. Health and Safety Code - HSC § 114327. Section 114327.

(a) Mobile support units shall be subject to plan review and be approved by the enforcement agency. Requirements shall be based on proposed method of operation and number of mobile food facilities serviced. (b) Mobile support units shall meet all applicable requirements of this part and the following: (1) Interior floor, sides, and top shall be free of cracks, seams, or linings where vermin may harbor, and shall be constructed of a smooth, washable, impervious material capable of withstanding frequent cleaning with approved sanitizing agents. (2) Be constructed and operated so that no liquid wastes can drain onto any street, sidewalk, or premises. (3) If used to transport potentially hazardous food, approved equipment to maintain food at the required temperatures shall be provided. (4) Food, utensils, and supplies shall be protected from contamination. (5) A separate storage area shall be provided for all poisonous substances, detergents, bleaches, cleaning compounds, and all other injurious or poisonous materials. (c) Mobile support units shall not be approved for warewashing.
Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026

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