Food Truck Daily Operations and Safety Inspection Checklist
This checklist ensures food trucks comply with FDA Food Code requirements, local health department mobile food unit regulations, and NFPA 96 standards for commercial cooking ventilation. Designed for food truck operators and health inspectors conducting pre-service inspections.
- Industry: Food & Beverage / Mobile Catering
- Frequency: Daily (before service)
- Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes
- Role: Food Truck Operator / Health Inspector
- Total Items: 24
- Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022, NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection, Local Health Department Mobile Food Unit Regulations, NSF/ANSI 2 Food Equipment Standards
Food Temperature Control
Food storage and holding temperature compliance.
- Refrigerator/cooler temperature at 41F or below?
- Hot holding equipment maintaining 135F or above?
- Calibrated food thermometer available and functional?
- All frozen foods thawed using approved methods?
Food Safety Practices
Food handling and personal hygiene compliance.
- Food manager certification current and posted in truck?
- Dedicated handwashing sink with hot/cold water, soap, and paper towels?
- Bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods avoided?
- Raw meats stored below and separate from ready-to-eat foods?
Fire Safety and Suppression
Fire suppression and cooking equipment safety.
- Hood suppression system inspection current (within 6 months)?
- Class K fire extinguisher mounted and charged in cooking area?
- Grease filters clean and installed in hood?
- Carbon monoxide detector operational?
Vehicle and Utility Systems
Gas, water, and vehicle safety checks.
- LPG/natural gas connections leak-tested with soap solution?
- Fresh water tank filled with potable water?
- Wastewater tank empty or below 2/3 capacity?
- Generator operating properly or shore power connected?
Permits and Vehicle Condition
Permit currency and vehicle roadworthiness.
- Health department permit current and posted in truck?
- Commissary usage log completed for today?
- Vehicle registration and insurance current?
- Issues observed or maintenance needed
Service Area Setup
Service window and customer area safety.
- Sneeze guard or protective barrier at service window?
- Hot surfaces guarded or labeled to prevent customer contact?
- Trash receptacle available for customers?
- Service area and surrounding ground clean before opening?
Related Food Safety Checklists
- Poultry Processing Plant HACCP Daily Inspection Checklist
- Cheese and Dairy Plant GMP Daily Inspection Checklist
- Stadium and Arena Concession Food Safety Inspection Checklist
- Catering Truck and Mobile Food Unit Food Safety Checklist
Why Use This Food Truck Daily Operations and Safety Inspection Checklist?
This food truck daily operations and safety inspection checklist helps food & beverage / mobile catering teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food truck operator / health inspector professionals, this checklist covers 24 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily (before service).
Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022, NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection, Local Health Department Mobile Food Unit Regulations, NSF/ANSI 2 Food Equipment Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Food Truck Daily Operations and Safety Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 24 inspection items across 6 sections: Food Temperature Control, Food Safety Practices, Fire Safety and Suppression, Vehicle and Utility Systems, Permits and Vehicle Condition, Service Area Setup. It is designed for food & beverage / mobile catering operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed daily (before service). Each completion takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Who should use this Food Truck Daily Operations and Safety Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Food Truck Operator / Health Inspector professionals in the food & beverage / mobile catering 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.