Outdoor events and summer festivals aren’t complete without juice and smoothie food trucks to provide attendees with refreshments as part of the enjoyment . The advantage of having food trucks around is that these businesses generally promote healthy options for consumers who prefer maintaining their healthy eating habits even while having fun outside of their homes. In California, to make sure that food trucks prepare and concoct food and beverages that are safe to partake, there are several permits that must be obtained before such businesses are allowed to operate.
If you’re planning to venture into the food and drink truck business in California, it would be best to prepare now so you can have everything ready in time for the summer months. Many make the mistake of thinking that leasing a food truck and getting a business license is all that it takes to get a food or drink truck business running.
While you might have already scouted the best spots and upcoming events to where you will set up your mobile food business, the critical research you also need to do is to know the local restrictions and regulations that apply to your food truck business.
California Licensing Laws for Food and Drink Truck Businesses
Managing a food or drink truck business can be quite laborious from the very start as you have to meet all the regulatory requirements. Otherwise, you will get fined or at worst, be ordered to shut down. These regulatory requirements depend on the areas where you plan to set up your food or drink truck business as every city, county, and state has different permitting requirements and food truck licensing. Some cities or counties may even require securing temporary permits if you and your business are not licensed with the area.
Apart from the typical business permits and license required, there are other permits you need to get in order to operate your food or drink truck:
Health Permit
Just like any other establishments or stalls in the food industry, your food or beverage truck is also subject to inspections of the local health department. Local health inspectors have to make sure that you and your entire staff are medically fit to handle the food or drinks being served in sanitary and well-kept conditions.
Food Safety Certification
In California, the owner or an employee of the food or drink truck business is mandated to take and pass the state-approved Food Safety Certification exam before the business is allowed to operate. Moreover, California laws also deem it necessary that all mobile food vendors own a commercial kitchen using only ANSI-certified equipment.
Part of the safety laws in California include requiring unused or inactive food trucks properly parked in a designated food truck facility. Parking code enforcers especially in the city of San Jose call an accredited firm responsible for towing san jose vehicles that are parked illegally.
.
Mobile Food Facility Permit
This permit is necessary when food trucks or carts are used in combination with a primary food facility’s outdoor food vending, including those being franchised to other outdoor food retailers. A few examples of mobile food facilities include mobile food trailers, vehicles handling non-prepackaged foods, coffee carts, shaved ice carts, catering trucks, and hot dog carts.
Food Handler’s Permit
In most localities, it is compulsory to have one or more employees of the business obtain a Food Handler’s Permit by attending a food safety class. The purpose of which is to ensure the protection of both the business and its customers. The Food Handlre’s Permit should always be on display during the food or beverage truck’s business hours.
Commercial Driver’s License
California laws require drivers of commercial vehicles, including those used for food or drink truck businesses to have a proper Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). There are different types of CDL, with which the issuance depends on the weight and length of the food truck concerned.
Fire Certificates
You need to have your food truck cooking equipment and fire suppression system thoroughly inspected by the local fire department to make certain they do not pose as fire safety hazards. Moreover, the department assumes the responsibility of educating everyone involved in the food or beverage truck business about regulations that employees need to follow.