According to the Texas Food Establishment Rules, a mobile food unit (such as a food truck) is a vehicle-mounted, self-contained food service operation, designed to be readily moveable and used to store, prepare, display, serve, or sell food.
Sheesh … There is a lot to digest in that one sentence!
Food truck requirements vary greatly throughout the great State of Texas, so be sure to check with your Local Health Department for specific regulations. Below is a general list of items to consider when starting a food truck business and is not intended to be comprehensive.
The Physical Food Truck
Like a fixed establishment, a food truck shall be enclosed and protected from the entry of pests with tight-fitting doors and windows. Walls and ceilings shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and light-in-color. Screens for ventilation points and windows shall be at least 16 mesh to 1-inch. A food truck shall be mobile at all times.
Central Preparation Facility (CPF):
This requirement is often overlooked by those looking to start a food truck business. A food truck shall operate from a CPF or other fixed establishment and shall report to such location for supplies and for cleaning and servicing operations. The CPF must be an approved retail food establishment at which food is prepared, stored, and wrapped. The operator of the food truck must maintain the most recent inspection of the CPF on the unit at all times. If the CPF or servicing area is not owned by the food truck operator, then a notarized letter of authorization is required. Use of a private residence as a CPF is prohibited. Be aware that this requirement adds additional costs to the operation of a food truck business.
Water:
Hot and cold running water must be supplied to all sinks permanently installed inside the food truck. Lack of hot running water is one of the most common reasons why a food truck gets “shut-down” in the field. A potable water tank and a fill hose shall be permanently installed and labeled as “potable water,” and provided with a ¾-inch or less inlet connection. A waste retention tank for liquid waste must be 15% larger than the potable water tank, leak proof, be permanently installed, and labeled as “waste water.”
Food Truck Equipment:
Equipment on a food truck shall be adequate to maintain safe hot and cold Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods at required temperatures (41°F or below for cold foods; 135°F or above for hot foods). Food contact surfaces of equipment, including tables and counters shall be durable, corrosion-resistant, and non-absorbent – meaning no wood allowed!
Warewashing and Handwash Sinks:
At least one handwash sink must be installed and supplied with soap and paper towels at all times. A sink with three compartments for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing of equipment and utensils, along with drain boards for soiled and clean items shall also be present.
Restrooms:
A food truck does not need to be equipped with a restroom, however toilet rooms shall be designated and be conveniently located and accessible to employees during all hours of operation.
More Items Needed to Pass Initial Inspection:
Before you schedule a permitting inspection with a Local Heath Department or with the County or State, be sure to come prepared with the following items:
- Certified Food Manager Certificate and Food Handler Cards
- Notarized Central Preparation Facility authorization (if needed) and most recent facility inspection
- Menu of all food items to be sold
- The food truck must be “turned on” so the inspector can observe and test all aspects of the unit in a real-life scenario
- Proof of vehicle insurance and business registration with the Texas Secretary of State and Comptroller
- A food truck may also require an inspection from the local Fire Marshal, which opens up another can of worms
TEXAS PUBLIC HEALTH SOLUTIONS 
Why do I see so many BBQ pits attached to food trucks that aren’t enclosed?
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Great question! The Texas Department of State Health Services states that: “BBQ pits that are on or attached to a food truck do not have to be screened unless there is evidence of pest contamination at the pit.”
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But most bbq trailers have no hand washing or hot cold potable water or gray water tanks. Not sure how this is not violation of mfg rules
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Hi Mike, thanks for your input! Mobile food units must meet all of the requirements you stated. There is some leeway for “BBQ trailers” or “BBQ pits.”
This is what DSHS says: “Barbeque pits that are on or attached to a mobile food unit do not have to be screened unless there is evidence of insect, rodent, or other pest contamination at the pit. A barbeque pit may be separate from and adjacent to the main mobile food unit, but the barbeque pit shall maintain mobility. A mobile food unit shall not operate out of a “pit room” or fixed smoker, unless it has been permitted as a retail food establishment. All preparation (cutting, slicing, seasoning, etc.) should be conducted inside of the unit, which must have all required handwashing sinks and warewashing sinks. All cooking on the barbeque pits must be done with overhead protection.”
Hope this helps!
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Where do I call in Dallas tx 75232 area to have my bbq trailer pit inspected? I don’t have an event planned, I want to see what I need to be health inspected in general.
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Call Dallas County at 214-653-6565 or email them at development@dallascounty.org for further information.
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I am established food trailer business in Utah for 2 years now and moving to Dallas Texas, everything in my trailer passes inspection according to Utah health department and requirements including the fire marshal department. What do I need to do to transfer my business and start operating in Dallas and surrounding cities please?!
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Hi Rita, thank you for your question. Do you plan on operating permanently in the DFW Metroplex or for specific temporary events?
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I operate my food trailer for a full time permanently.
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Great! The regulations and requirements for Mobile Food Units vary from city to city in North Texas. We will reach out to you individually to discuss.
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Why do I see butchblock coutertops in food trailers if they aren’t allowed in Texas.
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Hi, Cathy. As long as the butchblock counter is made from hard maple or an equivalently hard, close-grained wood, it may be used as a food contact surface.
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Do you need a permit to sale ice cream that comes from a prepackaged tub from a distributor? Do the same rules apply?
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Yes, but the same rules don’t apply. You’ll need to contact your Local Health Authority for specific rules because they differ depending on what municipality you’re in.
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Does a trailer selling Italian Ice require a CPF?
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For an annual permit – yes.
For a temporary event permit – no.
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what food trailers are the (exceptions) to the CPF rule? i have a full running food trailer and can prep everything I need to be safe how do i know if i can work without a CPF.
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Thank you for your question, Latwana. In order to get approved for an annual food truck permit anywhere in the State of Texas, you will need to provide proof of a contract with a Central Preparation Facility. There are no exceptions to this rule. Best of luck in your food business!
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What if there are no licensed CPF facilities within a reasonable distance? Some health inspectors have overlooked this requirement due to the closest CPF is 60 miles.
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We recommend reaching out to a local restaurant to use their facility as a a CPF. As always, check with your local health authority first.
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Can you please explain what the cpf is?
I am thinking of starting a food trailer in my area. I would be purchasing meat from our local butcher and then making sides for meals much like a cafe on wheels.
All meals would be prepared in the food trailer so I’m not understanding this CPF.
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In your specific case, a CPF or Central Preparation Facility would be required to obtain potable water and properly dispose of wastewater.
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Do I need a Permit to operate my food trailer in other counties? I am opening a food trailer in Odessa Texas and would like to operate in other small towns around me.
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Hello, Marissa. Great question! Yes, you will need to contact the Local Health Authority to find out what the specific permitting requirements are. You may also want to contact the Texas Department of State Health Services if the towns you plan to operate in do not have a local health department. The state can be reached at foodestablishments@dshs.texas.gov or at (512) 834-6753. Best of luck in your food business!
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Who do I contact in Texas is I have questions or want to get a trailer inspected.
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Great question! You should contact your Local Health Authority. Please send us the city you’d like to get permitted in, and we can let you know who to contact.
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I live in bridge city tx and need helping contacting someone about getting my trailer inspected and what the local laws are
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Contact Orange County!
https://www.co.orange.tx.us/departments/EnvironmentalHealthCodeCompliance/FoodService
(409) 745-1463
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Can I build my own food trailer? I bought a brand new 2023 enclosed trailer yesterday from a dealership.
I’m in the DFW area. Thanks!
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Yes, you can! Before you start, I would highly recommend contacting your local health authority for guidelines.
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Does my trailer have to be registered in Texas to be used here.
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No, not necessarily. The commercial vehicle just needs to be legally registered. What city do you plan to operate in?
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I plan to operate in Houston. I have a mobile trailer that will be pulled by truck. I moved from Georgia so my plates on truck and trailer are Georgia plates.
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Read more here: https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/permits/food-permits/opening-food-establishment
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Do i need to have a CPF for a snow cone trailer? and who would i contact in Wise county to get an inspection. thanks
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Yes, a Central Preparation Facility is a requirement for all mobile vendors. For Wise County, please contact Greg Kelsey at Greg.Kelsey@dshs.texas.gov or at 214-364-5720 for more information on permitting. Thanks!
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I live out side city limits in Wise Co do I need a different type of certificate?
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No, you will still be permitted by the Texas Department of State Health Services.
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Who can I contact in Hidalgo county to ask questions regarding the CPF?
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If your food trailer has a full kitchen, would a CPF certificate still be needed?
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Great question. Yes, a food trailer or food truck is always required to have a commissary agreement in place with a CPF.
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What’s the difference between food truck and food trailer requirement? Specifically, when we go to participate an event. Fees are different between food truck and trailer?
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Thanks for the question, Nana. For the purposes of permitting, there is no difference between a food truck or a food trailer. Both are considered Mobile Food Units. The fees would be the same for both.
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Are food trailers required to have fire suppression systems?
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Hi Rebecca,
It depends on a number of factors such as what you’re cooking and where you’re looking to get permitted. TexasPHS recommends reaching out to the local health authority to see what the specific local regulations are.
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How do you find a CPF? I’m in McLennan County.
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Email the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District to see if they have a list of CPFs. Their email address is envhealth@wacotx.gov.
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I live in Cleveland TX and want information on what do I need to do to get a food truck permit I contacted the county. And they say they don’t issue mobile food truck permits
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Please contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at 512-834-6753 or at foodestablishments@dshs.texas.gov. If the county doesn’t regulate food establishments, it could be the state that does.
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Hi,
How would one go about finding a CPF, being that one isn’t allowed to use the home locations to prepare items?
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Great question, Ebony! A licensed CPF or Central Preparation Facility can be difficult to find indeed. We would recommend contacting your local health authority and simply asking for a list of approved CPFs in your jurisdiction. Please let us know if this method works. Best of luck in your food business!
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If I want to operate a food truck, but cook/prepare the food somewhere else and only use the truck to “serve” it, are there different requirements?
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No, the requirements would be the same. You would have to prepare the food at a licensed Central Preparation Facility (CPF) and serve the food in a licensed food truck, fully equipped and approved by the health authority. The only exception would be if you obtain a Temporary Event Permit instead of an annual permit.
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Hello
I wanna start my food truck business but i have no idea from where to start and how to get
business license for food truck, thank you
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The best place to start is with your local health authority. Please email us details at texasphs@gmail.com and we’d be happy to get you pointed in the right direction!
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I have a small “van” school bus I am wanting to sell cold sandwiches (peanut butter jelly/Ham lunch meat/Turkey lunch meat) from as well as individual bags of chips and pre packaged little debbie cakes – I’m not actually “cooking” anything… sandwiches are prepared from my home kitchen as a Texas Cottage Kitchen, I have both Managers food handler and Food service handler certs. How am I inspected with nothing being cooked or hot?
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Hi Pennie! Thank you for the detailed insight into your food business. Unfortunately, TexasPHS doesn’t have good news for you. You cannot prepare sandwiches from a home kitchen and sell them from a food “truck.” Your food “truck” would need to be properly permitted by your local health authority and the sandwiches would need to be prepared at a Central Preparation Facility (not a home kitchen) or the food truck itself. Hope this insight helps … even if it’s not what you wanted to hear.
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Thank you for the info! I would prefer to make them in my kitchen, but I can meet requirements for prep in the truck! Thank you!!
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I want to Boil Crawfish 4 months out of the year. What would my Food Trailer require? It would just be Crawfish, Corn, Sausage, and Potatoes and nothing else. All prep (cutting of the sausage, onions, and garlic for example) would be done elsewhere.
Also, Can I build a CPF in my backyard for this? I am thinking of a building or shed with windows and doors, electricity, and water. Is this doable? I think I would need the sinks, stainless counters, refrigeration and possibly freezer and warming carts. I don’t need stoves, ovens, or griddles etc..
It just seems like an awful lot for something they sell on the side of the road in paper bags in LA. LOL! I want to do the right thing though.
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can my food trailer have the exhaust cooking hood over the windows?
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It depends. You will want to reach out to your jurisdiction’s fire marshal to confirm.
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I have a fully self-contained commercial kitchen on my truck. This includes, refrigeration, smoker, warmers, and fire suppression and hood. Why would I be required to pay to prep my BBQ at a CPF? Also, BBQ meats take 15-18 hrs to cook. Does the smoker have to be at the CPF?
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Hi Tony, excellent points. You do not need to use the CPF to cook or prep any foods. In your specific case, you need a CPF to gather potable water for your mobile unit and also to properly dispose of wastewater in the CPF’s mop sink.
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I’m interested in opening a churro and ice cream trailer . Will I have to get a fire suppression system if In going to be using a frying in the trailer ?
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If you plan to deep fry the churros, then yes. It’s best to check with your local health authority before you progress any further. Great question!
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We have a portable smoker for BBQ and looking to purchase a food trailer. Would we need to use a CPF if we purchase pre-prepared foods to serve with the bbq?
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If you plan on obtaining an annual permit, then yes, you will need a contract with a CPF.
If you just plan on obtaining a Temporary Event Permit for each event that you work, then no, you would not need a CPF.
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My city doe’s not have a CPF. How do I obtain my license and operate a food truck when the next closest CPF to me is 50 miles away?
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A CPF does not have to be a dedicated commissary meant solely for food trucks and caterers. A CPF can also be a licensed food establishment. Have you contacted any local restaurants to see if you can use their restaurant as a CPF?
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I’m looking at operating a coffee focused truck in Houston, tx. Nothing aside from espresso and drinks would be made on the truck. All pastries will come from a wholesaler already made for serving.
I am fairly certain I wouldn’t need to abide by the new fire suspension system rule.
My question is do all the goods obtained for the truck – ie coffee, milk, cups etc – have to come from the commissary or can they be from other sources such as a restaurant supply store or food supplier such as US FOODS? I know I need the commissary and records for my waste water disposal and water replenishment.
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Hi Alicia,
Good luck on your new business! You likely will not need a fire suppression system, but you will want to check with the City of Houston first.
No, the food items for the truck do not need to come directly from the commissary, just from an approved source.
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Thank you! So sorry, I have a few more questions if you’d be so kind!
Do all appliances need to be NSF certified for truck use?
What is considered an approved source for food ingredients? Any kind of store?
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My question is in Texas you must use a cpf to prepare food for a food truck, then what would be the point of having a fryer or grill and a hood in a food truck at all??
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Hi Tom, great question. Here are the two main purposes of a CPF in Texas:
1) The food truck can properly and safely obtain potable water for cooking and drinking.
2) The food truck can properly and safely dispose wastewater in a mop sink.
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Hi, over the last few years I have been smoking polish sausages in my backyard, friends and family loved it and said I should try selling them on Friday Night Markets our city hosts every first Friday of the month. Now I do not want to have a restaurant I just want to be able to sell stuff at the local farmers market out of my BBQ Pit. Something I would do once a month on a small scale .. Sausage in a bun. Do I need to start a company, get a license etc.? Can someone point me int he right direction? I am located in the Collin County, Celina Texas to be exact.
Thank You
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Hi, Voitek. You’re making our mouths water with your description of smoked polish sausage! Yes, there are opportunities to cook and sell your delicious foods. Your best bet is to obtain a Temporary Food Vendor Permit at a city-sponsored event. For more details, contact Mike Green with the City of Celina directly at mgreen@celina-tx.gov. Best of luck!
https://www.celina-tx.gov/1339/Health-and-Food-Safety
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What are the requirements for having a restroom in my 7X16 food trailer? I was thinking of adding a compost toilet in there and building a enclosed room. I appreciate the help! And thanks for answering my other question, I just couldn’t figure out how to respond and say thank you.
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I will be operating a trailer that serves lemonade. Will this require the CPF or only the produce to be bought from an approved vendor? I will be registering in Melissa Texas, can you point me to the nearest location for inspection as well? Thank you!
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Hi, James! Are you seeking to obtain an annual permit or simply a temporary event permit for specific times of the year?
Please contact the the City of Melissa Code Compliance Department to determine next steps: https://www.cityofmelissa.com/157/Code-Compliance
Thanks for the read!
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I have reached out to about 4 cities in my area and they will not approve me to build my own food truck, they say the truck has to be built from a food truck manufacturer, I asked the question the other day and was told yes from this form, am I missing something? Thanks in advance for the help with this. Thanks.
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TexasPHS has permitted all types of food trucks and mobile food units. Please ask these cities to show you the written regulation where is states that a food truck has to built from a “food truck manufacturer?” Tell them that YOU ARE a food truck manufacturer! Of course, the food truck has to meet all of the requirements to operate safely and effectively. You should be able to go through the plan review process.
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We are wanting to sell bbq plates. Precooked the meat/beans and utilize mobile smoker trailer for keeping warm. What would we need?
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Hi, Jamie. It all depends on your business model. Are you seeking to obtain an annual permit in your city or just to work specific temporary events? Where are you pre-cooking the BBQ plates?
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If I have my required documents & Own a food Trailer in Oklahoma, can a business partner carry the Texas documents & use my trailer & I work as their employee in Texas?
Thanks
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I am currently redoing a horse trailer for a lemonade stand. Do I have to have it inspected and food handlers license for this type of business?
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With the bill 2127 (The Texas Regulatory Cosistency Act) being passed and going into effect in September. Will it be lifting local regulations for food truck/trailers?
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TexasPHS will research this bill further and respond in the near future. Thanks for the question!
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I want to start a sno cone business with a trailer to go to events and set up at a lot on the highway. I’m confused, would that be would be a roadside vendor or mobile food truck
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It would be considered a Mobile Food Unit. The first thing you need to do is contact your Local Health Authority for next steps.
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We’re wanting to make a coffee trailer in Cotulla Texas. Do I need the 4 sinks? I will only sell coffee & expresso drinks.
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Hi, Christina. Thank you for the question. Yes, you will still need a handwashing sink and you will still need a three-compartment sink to properly wash, rinse, and sanitize your equipment. All sinks must have hot and cold running water. I hope this helps!
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what size water tanks are required??
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It depends on the specific regulations in your area, but typically the waste retention tank for liquid waste must be 15% larger than the potable water tank.
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Good afternoon, as far as i can understand, if I have a food truck with complete equipment, refrigerator, fryer, grill ,warmer, etc, I still need the CPF for potable and wastewater, but am I authorized to cut vegetables, blend sauces, grill chicken and cook rice and beans in the truck? thank you.
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Hi, Victor. You are 100% correct!
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Hello, I am wanting to open a hot dog stand and I am confused on whether or not I need to get a roadside food vendor license or mobile food unit license. The equipment will consist of a propane griddle and food warmer (steam bin) on a stainless-steel catering cart stationary. Covered by a shade canopy. I’ll use separate ice coolers for condiments, meet storage and drinks. The food I plan to prepare is hot dogs, wrapped in bacon. Served with sautéed onions and topped with guacamole and various condiments/sauces. Everything will be prepared on-site. I don’t have potable water, and thus nothing to dispose of or gather at a CPF. Will I still need a CPF or authorization letter even though there won’t be any need of it? What kind of licenses do I need?
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Hi, Lucas. Your best bet is to contact your Local Health Authority for specific rules and regulations regarding hot dog carts. Every jurisdiction handles this a bit differently.
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Could you recommend who to contact? I plan to operate out of Montgomery County, and Harris County. I live in Montgomery County though.
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Start here: email Ruben.Martinez@mctx.org, the Chief Sanitarian of Montgomery County.
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I am interested in starting a mobile bar. Are there any particular rules I need to know for this? You can email me a list if you prefer. Jrhorses@ymail.com
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Yes, there are specific rules and regulations you need to follow. Do you plan to obtain a temporary event permit to operate at sponsored events? What city or county do you plan to operate?
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I am from Cameron County and own a food trailer and have already been given my permit . Wheres does it state specifically that it can only be powered by a generator, please explain.
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The permit will not state that. Why do you believe your food trailer must be powered by a generator? On the flip side, how will you power your food trailer if you don’t use a generator?
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If you are not serving food, and only non alcoholic drinks. Is there different requirements?
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Hi, Tiffany. What beverages are you looking to serve? You most likely WILL NEED to conform with the rules and regulations of a typical food truck. Open beverages and ice are considered “food” and you still need to obtain fresh potable water from a CPF and properly dispose of wastewater from a CPF. Hope that helps answer your question!
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Id like to purchase a food truck fully loaded in the next month however I want to be able to move about Dallas and Tarrant county is there special or specific permit that is needed?
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Hi, Ebony. Congratulations on your business plan! Yes, there are many factors that you need to consider before you purchase your food truck. Unfortunately, every city and county has their own rules and regulations, so TexasPHS cannot answer your questions specifically. Do you plan on operating within the City of Dallas or within the greater Dallas County area? Do you plan on operating within the City of Fort Worth or within the greater Tarrant County area? Believe it or not, there are different health authorities for all 4 of these areas! It’s best to reach out to them individually for specific information.
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Can I get a food manufacturing license if I have a food trailer?
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Great question! Unfortunately, the answer is no. A food manufacturer must operate from a fixed establishment.
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I just bought a 16 foot food trailer, need minor details to be finished. I just need to make sure I am compliant with inspection, I will be operation out of Archer County, and need to know what size of water tanks are required to pass inspection? and how long after we put in paper work will my inspection happen?? trying to start as soon as possible since i am 95% ready just need tanks!!
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Hello! You will want to reach out to your Local Health Authority immediately. TexasPHS isn’t familiar with the regulations in your area, but a good place to start would be the City of Archer City at (940) 574-4570 or at kswhitsitt@cityofactx.org. Best of luck!
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I want to operate a mobile food unit that serves alcohol (liquor only) and cold foods, in and around Travis county at private events. Who should I email to learn about requirements?
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