How do I start-up a mobile catering service?

How do i start-up a mobile catering service (FOOD TRUCK)?

• Anyone has a food truck business operating in Los Angeles? I'd like to start my own business but having trouble finding the information online about this type of business, rules, ...show more

• Answer:

  LA Tough Place to do it. They do lay out what is needed very well in the web site. 1. How can I obtain a printed copy of Cal Code? Effective July 1, 2007, a printed copy of Cal Code can be downloaded from www.lapublichealth.org/eh. 2. What will happen to the cart I have now? Effective July 1, 2007, the California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law (CURFFL) will be repealed and will be replaced by the California Retail Food Code (Cal Code). Mobile Food Facilities under a current Public Health Permit, will continue to operate as permitted under CURFFL, until there is a change of ownership; a significant change of menu occurs; the permit is revoked or cancelled; or the permit lapses. 3. Does the owner of a mobile food facility have additional responsibilities under the new code? The owner or permit holder shall instruct all food employees about personal hygiene and food safety. The owner is also required to report certain illnesses (see website for list and additional information). 4. What is a mobile food facility under the new law? A mobile food facility means any vehicle used in conjunction with a commissary or other permanent food facility upon which food is sold or distributed at retail. This includes both mobile food preparation units (MFPU) and carts. 5. What kind of foods can I cook on a cart under Cal Code? Limited food preparation is approved for unenclosed mobile food facilities (carts) and includes any foods that are heated, fried, baked, roasted, popped, blended, or assembled. It also includes bulk dispensing of non-potentially hazardous beverages; slicing and chopping of food on a heated cooking surface during the cooking process; and cooking and seasoning to order. Cal Code does not allow hot-holding, i.e. steaming hot dogs, on a cart. 6. What kind of foods can I cook on a lunch truck? There are no changes to the foods that can be cooked on a fully enclosed mobile food facility (MFPU).