Catering Truck and Mobile Food Unit Food Safety Checklist

This checklist ensures catering truck and mobile food unit operations comply with FDA Food Code 2022 mobile food establishment requirements, local health department mobile food vendor permits, and NSF/ANSI equipment standards for mobile food service. Designed for catering truck operators and health department inspectors.

  • Industry: Mobile Food Service
  • Frequency: Daily (before service)
  • Estimated Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Role: Catering Truck Operator / Health Inspector
  • Total Items: 21
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022 - Chapter 4 Equipment, Utensils, and Linens, Local Health Department Mobile Food Establishment Permit Requirements, NSF/ANSI 4 Commercial Cooking, Rethermalization, and Powered Hot Food Holding, EPA Vehicle Emissions Standards (propane/natural gas cooking equipment)

Water and Waste System

Fresh water tank, grey water, and waste disposal.

  • Fresh water tank filled with potable water from approved source?
  • Grey water (wastewater) tank emptied today?
  • Grey water tank capacity available for today's service?
  • Water heater operational and hot water available at handwash sink?

Temperature Control

Refrigeration and hot holding temperatures.

  • Onboard refrigerator at 41F or below?
  • Hot holding units at 135F or above?
  • Calibrated probe thermometer on hand for temperature checks?

Equipment and Vehicle

Cooking equipment and vehicle safety.

  • Propane/natural gas connections leak-tested (no odor of gas)?
  • Hood suppression system serviced within last 6 months?
  • Class K fire extinguisher accessible in cooking area?
  • Generator (if equipped) operational and running safely (not near food)?

Food Handling and Storage

Food safety practices in mobile unit.

  • All food stored off floor and covered when not in use?
  • Raw proteins stored separately from ready-to-eat foods?
  • Handwashing sink stocked with soap and paper towels and accessible?

Sanitation and Cleaning

Food contact surface sanitation.

  • Sanitizer solution at correct concentration (chlorine 100 ppm or QUAT 200 ppm)?
  • All food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitized before service?
  • Cooking surfaces free of excessive grease buildup?

Commissary and Permit Compliance

Commissary and regulatory compliance.

  • Commissary agreement current and truck services at commissary?
  • Mobile food permit posted on truck or available for inspection?
  • Valid food handler certificate for at least one crew member?
  • Food safety observations or issues

Related Food Safety Checklists

Related Food Handling Checklists

Why Use This Catering Truck and Mobile Food Unit Food Safety Checklist?

This catering truck and mobile food unit food safety checklist helps mobile food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for catering truck operator / health inspector professionals, this checklist covers 21 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily (before service).

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022 - Chapter 4 Equipment, Utensils, and Linens, Local Health Department Mobile Food Establishment Permit Requirements, NSF/ANSI 4 Commercial Cooking, Rethermalization, and Powered Hot Food Holding, EPA Vehicle Emissions Standards (propane/natural gas cooking equipment). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Catering Truck and Mobile Food Unit Food Safety Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 21 inspection items across 6 sections: Water and Waste System, Temperature Control, Equipment and Vehicle, Food Handling and Storage, Sanitation and Cleaning, Commissary and Permit Compliance. It is designed for mobile food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily (before service). Each completion takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Who should use this Catering Truck and Mobile Food Unit Food Safety Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Catering Truck Operator / Health Inspector professionals in the mobile food service 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.

Browse More Checklists