Food Truck Inspection Checklist

What is a food truck inspection checklist? A food truck inspection checklist is a mobile food vendor safety form required by FDA Food Code and local health departments to ensure mobile food units meet food safety standards. Food trucks face unique challenges including limited water supply, temperature control, and space constraints. This checklist covers pre-service, operational, and end-of-day inspections for regulatory compliance.

  • Industry: Food Service / Mobile Food Vendor
  • Frequency: Daily / Before each service / Weekly deep check
  • Estimated Time: 15-25 minutes
  • Role: Food Truck Owner / Operator / Manager
  • Total Items: 54
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code Chapter 6 (Mobile Units), Local Health Department MFU Regulations, Fire Marshal Requirements, FSA Mobile Catering (UK), FSSAI Licensing (India)

Permits & Documentation

Verify all required permits and documentation are current and on-site.

  • Health permit current and posted?
  • Business license current?
  • Fire permit current (if required)?
  • Commissary agreement on file?
  • Insurance documentation current?
  • All staff have current food handler cards?
  • Allergen information available?

Water Systems

Verify potable water supply and wastewater capacity.

  • Fresh water tank full?
  • Fresh water level (%)
  • Fresh water from approved source?
  • Wastewater tank empty/adequate capacity?
  • Wastewater tank level (%)
  • Hot water heater functioning (100°F+ at handwash)?
  • Food-grade water hose in good condition?
  • Water pump functioning properly?

Handwashing & Sanitation

Verify handwashing facilities meet requirements.

  • Handwash sink accessible and functional?
  • Hot and cold running water available?
  • Hand soap supplied and stocked?
  • Single-use paper towels available?
  • Trash receptacle at handwash station?
  • Handwashing sign posted?
  • Sanitizer solution prepared (at proper concentration)?
  • Sanitizer test strips available?

Temperature Control

Verify refrigeration and hot holding equipment.

  • Refrigeration at 41°F or below?
  • Refrigerator temperature reading
  • Freezer at 0°F or below (if equipped)?
  • Hot holding equipment reaching 135°F+?
  • Probe thermometers available and calibrated?
  • Ice supply adequate for service?
  • Cold holding areas prepared?

Equipment & Cooking

Inspect cooking and prep equipment.

  • Cooking equipment clean and functional?
  • Propane tank level adequate?
  • Gas connections secure, no leaks?
  • Generator fuel level adequate?
  • Generator running properly?
  • Electrical connections safe and grounded?
  • Fire extinguisher charged and accessible?
  • Vent hood clean and functioning?
  • Fire suppression system current (if equipped)?

Food Safety & Storage

Verify food storage and handling practices.

  • All food from approved sources/commissary?
  • All food protected from contamination?
  • Raw products separated from RTE foods?
  • All food properly labeled and dated?
  • No expired products in inventory?
  • Adequate serving utensils available?
  • Single-use items stocked (cups, containers)?
  • Food-service gloves available?

Vehicle Cleanliness

Overall cleanliness and pest control.

  • All food contact surfaces clean and sanitized?
  • Floors clean and free of debris?
  • Walls and ceiling clean?
  • No evidence of pests?
  • All openings screened (if required)?
  • Adequate trash receptacles with lids?
  • Truck exterior clean and presentable?

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Why Use This Food Truck Inspection Checklist?

This food truck inspection checklist helps food service / mobile food vendor teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food truck owner / operator / manager professionals, this checklist covers 54 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: daily / before each service / weekly deep check.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code Chapter 6 (Mobile Units), Local Health Department MFU Regulations, Fire Marshal Requirements, FSA Mobile Catering (UK), FSSAI Licensing (India). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Truck Inspection Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 54 inspection items across 7 sections: Permits & Documentation, Water Systems, Handwashing & Sanitation, Temperature Control, Equipment & Cooking, Food Safety & Storage, Vehicle Cleanliness. It is designed for food service / mobile food vendor operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily / before each service / weekly deep check. Each completion takes approximately 15-25 minutes.

Who should use this Food Truck Inspection Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Food Truck Owner / Operator / Manager professionals in the food service / mobile food vendor industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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