County of San Mateo Health Dept Offering Tools on Establishing Compact Mobile Food Operation aka Food Stand/Carts/etc

South San Francisco, CA  October 25, 2023 County of San Mateo

 

Senate Bill 972 (Gonzalez) was enacted and becomes effective January 1, 2023. This new bill changes the California Retail Food Code by establishing a new Chapter in the California Retail Food Code (CRFC) titled “Compact Mobile Food Operations.” These changes were intended to promote economic inclusion while modernizing the CRFC so that sidewalk food vendors can obtain a permit and join the regulated vending economy.

Looking to start a Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO)?

Register and attend an upcoming presentation in November.
When: Monday, November 6th from 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where:The Atrium Conference Room, 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas
San Mateo, CA 94403

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Check back soon for more dates and locations! 

What is a CMFO? 

The new type of food facility is called a Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO). A CMFO is a type of mobile food facility that operates from any of the following:

  • An individual, stand, showcase, rack, or display – may be exempt from permitting if offering less than 25 sq feet of prepackaged non-potentially hazardous food
  • A stand, showcase, rack, display – limited to the sale of prepackaged non-potentially hazardous foods
  • A pushcart, pedal-driven cart, wagon, or other nonmotorized conveyance – may be approved for limited food preparation

A CMFO:

  • Must meet all the requirements listed in Chapter 10 (Mobile Food Facilities), except as provided for in the new Chapter 11.7 (Compact Mobile Food Operations).
  • Is required to operate in conjunction with a commissary, mobile support unit or other facility approved by the enforcement agency.

A CMFO is not:

  • A pop-up tent with multiple pieces of equipment set up. All equipment must be integral as part of a pushcart, pedal-driven cart, wagon, or other nonmotorized conveyance.
  • Motorized Mobile Food Facility

 

For more information on CMFO requirements, please contact San Mateo County Environmental Health Services Food Program at [email protected]  or 650-372-6200.

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michele
michele
1 year ago

i see lots of these carts like people selling vegetables adn wonder if they are legal or have permits. there things cost less but they dont pay for a building and they have no bathroom. how do they do that all day?