Overview
The Mobile Food Program within Alameda County consists of over eight hundred facilities including trucks, trailers, bicycles and other various types of vehicles that meet the requirements of the California Retail Food Code (CalCode).
The goal of the program is to ensure that food served from a permitted mobile food facility is safe for public consumption. This is achieved by providing food safety education and field inspections during the facility operating hours. The Department offers a free informational session for new and potential mobile food vendors.
Do you have questions about starting a mobile food or temporary food business? Then you are invited to our mobile and temporary food business information session. Click here for more information.
A MFF wanting to renew the Alameda County permit to operate must pay your invoice either in person, by mail or on line, submit the following documentation and schedule a renewal appointment. See application for instructions
- Mobile Food Facilities Application
- Part D Commissary Agreement for inside and outside Alameda County (PDF)
- Part E Route Sheet (PDF)
- List of Permitted Commissaries/Commercial Kitchens in Alameda County & Vicinity
- See FAQs Below
MFF wanting to apply for an Alameda County Environmental Health permit for the first time and are currently permitted in another county in California, must submit the following documentation. See application for instructions.
- Mobile Food Facilities Application
- Part D Commissary Agreement for inside and outside Alameda County (PDF)
- Part E Route Sheet (PDF)
- List of Permitted Commissaries/Commercial Kitchens in Alameda County & Vicinity
- See FAQs Below
MFF that have never been permitted in California must complete the requirements for mobile food plan check form and submit the plans to this department for review and approval. The plans must be in accordance to the requirements listed below.
- Requirements for Mobile Food Plan Submittal (PDF)
- Mobile Food Facility Plan Check Guide (PDF)
- Mobile Food Facility Commissary Construction Guidelines (PDF)
Fee Exemption Form for Sole Proprietor Veterans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A commissary is a facility approved by this department to provide required services for mobile food facilities, mobile support units, or vending machines. At the commissary, food is prepared or packaged, utensils are cleaned and sanitized, liquid waste and refuse are properly disposed and potable water is obtained.
Yes. CalCode Section 114381 states a mobile food facility shall not be open for business in California without a valid permit.
Complete an MFF Application to start the permitting process. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicant.
If your MFF is not currently permitted in any county in California, or you wish to have one built, please work with a professional builder who has knowledge of CALCODE and with California State Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) requirements. Resources for you and your builder are found at the link below:
Plans shall be submitted according to the requirements listed at this link:
A plan check fee will apply. Please see our fee schedule.
Contact your local municipality. Each city or unincorporated community may have different regulations.
You may also apply to participate in community events. You will have to contact the event sponsor directly.
Yes. Unless your MFF menu is solely comprised of pre-packaged food. You may find food safety certification providers at this link
ANSI-CFP Accreditation Program (Accredited)
Yes. You may find food handler card providers at this link
Food Handler Certificates
There are essentially two types of inspections conducted on mobile food facilities.
1. Annual Permit Renewal Inspection. Conducted when you apply for a new permit or renew an existing permit. This inspection covers all equipment on your MFF and checks that you have all required licenses, certifications and documentation required by all agencies related to your type of business. Food safety knowledge will also be reviewed during this inspection. The MFF inspection is conducted at the office of the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health.
2. Operational Inspection. Conducted "in the field" while you are operating. This inspection determines compliance with food safety requirements. A grading placard will be posted in public view on your MFF at the conclusion of the inspection. DEH also confirms whether your permit is current and displayed properly.
