Food Truck Safety & Sanitation Checklist

Complete this comprehensive food truck safety inspection to ensure compliance with FDA Food Code Chapter 8 (Mobile Food Units), local health regulations, and fire safety requirements.

  • Industry: Food Service
  • Frequency: Daily before service
  • Estimated Time: 30-45 min
  • Role: Food Truck Operator / Health Inspector
  • Total Items: 55
  • Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022 Ch. 8, Local Health Dept, NFPA 96, NSF Standards, UK FSA Mobile Units

Permits & Licenses

Verify all required permits and licenses.

  • Current health permit displayed?
  • Food handler certificates current for all staff?
  • Certified food manager on duty?
  • Fire department mobile cooking permit (if required)?
  • Business license current?
  • Vehicle inspection/registration current?

Water System

Verify potable water supply and waste water.

  • Fresh water tank adequate capacity?
  • Fresh water tank filled from approved source?
  • Fresh water tank clean and sanitized?
  • Water heater producing 110F minimum?
  • Wastewater tank 15% larger than fresh water?
  • Wastewater tank emptied at approved facility?
  • Handwashing sink operational with soap and towels?
  • 3-compartment sink or alternative ware washing?

Temperature Control (TCS Foods)

Verify proper temperature control for food safety.

  • Refrigeration units at 41F (5C) or below?
  • Freezer units at 0F (-18C) or below?
  • Thermometers in all cold holding units?
  • Hot holding equipment maintaining 135F (57C)+?
  • Calibrated probe thermometer available?
  • TCS food temperatures logged?
  • Cold chain maintained during transport?

Food Storage & Handling

Verify proper food storage practices.

  • All food covered and protected?
  • Food stored 6 inches off floor?
  • Raw proteins stored below ready-to-eat foods?
  • Date marking on ready-to-eat TCS foods?
  • FIFO (First In, First Out) practiced?
  • No cross-contamination observed?
  • Allergen-containing items properly labeled/separated?

Personal Hygiene & Employee Health

Verify employee hygiene practices.

  • Employees washing hands properly?
  • Single-use gloves used when handling RTE foods?
  • Hair restraints worn?
  • Clean uniforms/aprons worn?
  • No ill employees working (vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice)?
  • No bare hand contact with RTE foods?
  • No jewelry except plain wedding band?

Equipment & Sanitation

Verify equipment cleanliness and condition.

  • Food contact surfaces clean and sanitized?
  • Cutting boards in good repair, no deep grooves?
  • All equipment in good working order?
  • Sanitizer at proper concentration (50-200 ppm chlorine)?
  • Sanitizer test strips available and used?
  • Wiping cloths stored in sanitizer solution?
  • No evidence of pests?

Fire Safety & Suppression

Verify fire safety equipment and procedures.

  • Hood suppression system serviced (within 6 months)?
  • Class K fire extinguisher present and current?
  • Fire extinguisher accessible and unobstructed?
  • Propane tanks secured and in good condition?
  • Propane shutoff valve accessible?
  • Generator properly ventilated (if used)?
  • No excessive grease buildup on hood/filters?

Vehicle Condition & Waste

Verify vehicle and waste disposal.

  • Truck exterior clean and in good repair?
  • Truck interior clean, floors and walls?
  • Serving window screens intact (if required)?
  • Adequate trash containers with lids?
  • Grease disposed at licensed facility?
  • Adequate lighting in prep and service areas?

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Why Use This Food Truck Safety & Sanitation Checklist?

This food truck safety & sanitation checklist helps food service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for food truck operator / health inspector professionals, this checklist covers 55 critical inspection points across 8 sections. Recommended frequency: daily before service.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022 Ch. 8, Local Health Dept, NFPA 96, NSF Standards, UK FSA Mobile Units, India FSSAI. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Food Truck Safety & Sanitation Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 55 inspection items across 8 sections: Permits & Licenses, Water System, Temperature Control (TCS Foods), Food Storage & Handling, Personal Hygiene & Employee Health, Equipment & Sanitation, Fire Safety & Suppression, Vehicle Condition & Waste. It is designed for food service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily before service. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 min.

Who should use this Food Truck Safety & Sanitation Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Food Truck Operator / Health Inspector professionals in the 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.

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