Requirements are set locally and vary widely. This is what inspectors generally look at, so you can check your own county before you spend money.
Read this first. We are not a permitting authority. We do not certify units for any jurisdiction, and no seller can promise that a trailer will pass your local inspection. Requirements are set by your county or city and are assessed against your specific setup and menu. Always confirm with your own health department before you buy.
What is usually assessed
The specifics differ, but inspections commonly cover the same ground:
Handwashing. A dedicated handwash sink, separate from warewashing, with hot and cold water.
Warewashing. Frequently a three-compartment sink for wash, rinse and sanitise.
Water. Potable fresh water storage, and a waste tank usually required to be larger than the fresh tank.
Surfaces. Smooth, non-absorbent and cleanable throughout, including walls, floor and ceiling.
Temperature control. Refrigeration holding safe temperatures, with a way to monitor and record them.
Ventilation. Extraction over the cook line, and often fire suppression depending on what you cook.
Commissary. Many jurisdictions require a licensed base kitchen for prep, storage and servicing.
The commissary requirement catches people out
A significant number of authorities will not licence a mobile unit that has no licensed commissary behind it. Operators regularly discover this after buying a trailer. Ask your health department about it early, because it can change your whole business plan.
Ask these questions before you buy
Which authority licenses mobile food units where I will trade?
Do I need a commissary, and what qualifies as one?
What are the required sink configurations and tank capacities?
Is fire suppression required for my cooking equipment?
Is a plan review required before I buy the unit?
If I trade across county lines, do I need multiple permits?
Plan review comes first, in some places
Some jurisdictions want to review your layout and equipment before the unit is built or bought. Buying first and asking afterwards is how people end up with an expensive trailer they cannot licence. Ask whether plan review applies to you before you order anything.
What we can help with
We can tell you exactly what a unit is fitted with, confirm details with the builder, and give you the specification in writing so you can take it to your health department. What we cannot do is tell you whether your authority will approve it. Ask them first, then come to us with a specification you know will work.
Questions
Common follow-ups
Can you sell me a trailer that is already certified?
No, and neither can anyone else honestly. Certification is granted to an operator by a local authority against a specific setup and menu, not granted to a trailer in general.
Will you give me the specification in writing for my inspector?
Yes. Ask us and we will confirm the equipment list and fitting details in writing so you can submit them.
What if my county requires something the unit does not have?
Tell us before you order. Some items can be specified into the build. If they cannot, we would rather lose the sale than sell you a unit you cannot licence.
Browse trailers with this in mind
Every listing publishes its footprint, axle rating and equipment list.
