Mobile Food Units and associated Commissaries
A mobile food unit is any vehicle that is self-propelled, or can be pulled or pushed down a sidewalk, street, highway or waterway that serves food. Food may be prepared or processed on this vehicle, and the vehicle is used to sell and dispense food to the ultimate consumer. In the state of Oregon most mobile food units are required to have a commissary or base of operations that is a permanent food facility. This is a location where the unit is able to store food and supplies, wash dishes, obtain water, and prepare foods for service on the mobile. You can work with DCEH to determine an appropriate kitchen to use as a commissary.
Licenses are issued to one entity (person or corporation) for one location. If you are taking over a business from a previous owner or plan to operate in a previously licensed kitchen you will need to apply for a new food service license. When changing ownership of an existing food establishment, the original owner does not receive a refund or any proration of license fees. Licenses are issued on January 1st of each year and expire on December 31st.
Deschutes County Environmental Health reviews and approves applications for the construction of new food establishments or the remodeling of existing ones. The process begins by submitting plans. Plans are reviewed to ensure that the establishment will have all the necessary facilities and equipment.
Mobile food units or food carts must be licensed and pass a health inspection prior to operation.
In Oregon MFU are categorized into 4 classes based upon the type of foods that will be served and the equipment necessary on board.
The classification system is:
Class I: These units can serve only intact, packaged foods and non-potentially hazardous drinks. No preparation or assembly of foods or beverages may take place on the unit. Non-potentially hazardous beverages may be provided from covered urns or dispenser heads only. No dispensed ice is allowed.
Class II: These units may serve foods allowed under Class I and provide hot and cold holding display areas from which un-packaged foods are displayed. Self-service by customers of un-packaged food is not allowed. Preparation, assembly or cooking of foods is not allowed on this unit.
Class III: These units may serve any food item allowed under Class II, and may cook, prepare and assemble food items on the unit. However, cooking of raw animal food on the unit is not allowed.
Class IV: These mobile food units may serve a full menu.
Prior to applying please familiarize yourself with
The Mobile Food Unit Operation Guide.
Mobile Food Unit Operation Guide SPANISH
Applying for a Mobile Food Unit license
If you are taking over an existing licensed mobile food unit without changing the unit or equipment (no remodel) or major menu changes you will be required to complete the following:
1) Mobile Food Unit Menu and Procedure Review packet.
2) Mobile Food Unit License Application and required fees.
3) License application for commissary and/or warehouse license (work with Environmental Health Staff to determine needs).
If you are doing ANY of the following: (1)taking over an existing mobile food unit and remodeling or replacing equipment, (2) building a new unit, (3)bringing in a unit from another state, (4)making significant menu changes from a previous operator or (5) taking over a mobile unit that has not been licensed for more than 1 year, you will be required to complete the following:
1)Mobile Food Unit Plan Review packet
2) Mobile Food Unit License Application
3) License application for commissary and/or warehouse license (work with Environmental Health Staff to determine needs).
Please thoroughly review the information provided and if you have questions you can call EH staff at: (541) 317- 3114
