Mobile Food Facilities (MFF)

Overview

Mobile Food Facilities (MFF) and Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFO) require an Alameda County Department of Environmental Health (ACDEH) permit to operate. All MFF’s and CMFO’s are inspected by ACDEH to ensure compliance with the California Health and Safety Code (CALCODE). Apply for a permit by following the instructions on this webpage. The CALCODE requirements for a MFF or CMFO permit depend on the food menu and level of food handling risk the operation proposes. A summary of food handling risks is described at the link provided here. Click here for more information.

How do I renew my permit for a food truck, trailer or CMFO (cart)?

Pay the invoice sent to you by US Mail. Complete the Mobile Food Facilities Application by checking “BOX C” and then follow the instructions for "BOX C". Check “BOX F” and follow the instructions for “BOX F” if the CMFO cart or MFF truck menu is all pre packaged food. Submit the application to dehmobilefood@acgov.org or directly to your health inspector 2 weeks prior to your permit expiration date.

How Do I Get A Permit For a Used Food Truck or Trailer That Has Been Permitted In California But Never in Alameda County?

Complete the Mobile Food Facilities Application by checking “BOX B” then following the instructions for “BOX B”. Submit the application to dehwebbilling@acgov.org to begin the permit process. An invoice will be emailed to you. The permit process will begin upon securing payment.

How do I get a permit for a new food truck or trailer or CMFO(Cart) that has not been permitted in California?

You must submit blueprint drawings (plans) for the truck/trailer or CMFO (cart) according to the requirements. Complete the Mobile Food Facilities Application by checking box “A” and follow the instructions for “BOX A”. Plan check requirements for all types of MFF or CMFO can be found on the MFF page below. Submit all documents to dehwebbilling@acgov.org to start the plan check process. An invoice will be emailed to you. The permit process will begin upon securing fee payment. Scroll down to find requirements for plan check for MFF trucks/trailers and CMFO’s.

How do I get a permit for a CMFO (Cart)?

The requirements for a cart depend on your menu items. Complete the Mobile Food Facilities Application by checking “BOX B” or “BOX F” depending on your menu items and following the instructions for “BOX B” or “BOX F”. Submit the application to dehwebbilling@acgov.org to begin the permit process. If the cart is new you may need to submit blueprint drawings (plans) to be reviewed. For plan review, complete the Mobile Food Facilities Application check box “A” and follow the instructions for “BOX A” . An invoice will be emailed to you. The permit will print upon securing payment. Review guidance and examples of CMFO (cart) plans.

How do I apply for a permit for 1 event?

To apply for a one-time a year single event permit for an MFF/CMFO, check “BOX E” on page 2 of the Mobile Food Facilities Application and follow the instructions for "BOX E". The MFF or CMFO must be currently permitted/not expired by a county in California to qualify for this permit. An invoice will be emailed to you. The permit will be sent to your email provided once payment is received.

How do I apply for a permit or renew a permit for a vending machine?

Complete the Mobile Food Facilities Application by checking “BOX G” . Follow the instructions for “BOX G” and submit the application to dehwebbilling@acgov.org to begin the permit process. An invoice will be emailed to you. The permit process will begin upon securing payment.

How do I change or update my commissary information and/or my route sheet information?

Complete the Commissary form Part D Commissary Agreement or the route sheet form Part E Route Sheet. Submit the form to your facility inspector or to dehmobilefood@acgov.org .

How do I find a commissary?

There is a list of mobile food commissaries and commercial kitchens found here List of Permitted Commissaries/Commercial Kitchens in Alameda County & Vicinity . An online search will help you locate additional commissaries and commercial kitchens. A commissary and a commercial kitchen is allowed upon determining there is a current environmental health permit and it provides adequate services.

How can I find a mobile food facility builder?

Please see the link here to a List of Builders in California. The list is for reference and not to be used as an endorsement by Alameda County.

EXAMPLES OF CMFO

To submit plans to build and/or obtain a permit for your CMFO (CART) use the CMFO Plan Check Requirements and Examples of Structural Requirements for a CMFO for guidance.

A summary of CMFO (cart) structural requirements that may be required are found here. Prepackaged Food and Non-Prepackaged Food
A CMFO (cart) may be eligible for a Legal Exemption CMFO from possessing an ACDEH permit to operate.

EXAMPLES OF MFF

A summary of requirements for MFF’s can be found here.
Requirements for plan submittal can be found here.

Join our free "INFORMATION SESSION" led by inspectors experienced in the requirements and permitting process.
Click here for more information.

Fee Exemption

Fee Exemption Form for qualified Veterans of Sole Proprietorship Businesses

Veteran's Fee Exemption Form

MFF/CMFO FACILITIES ARE NOT TEMPORARY FOOD FACILITIES (TFF) AND SHALL NOT APPLY AS A TFF. A TFF PERMIT WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO AN MFF/CMFO OPERATOR.