T.C.A. § 0780-02-02-.07 - MOBILE FOOD UNITS

(1) An applicant for a mobile food unit permit shall submit a completed application on a form as prescribed by the Division along with a non-refundable application fee of three hundred dollars ($300). If applicable, the application shall include:

(a) The owner and operator's contact information and business name;

(b) Date of application;

(c) Vehicle license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number;

(d) Cooking equipment and fuel that will be utilized;

(e) Type of cooking and processes used;

(f) Anticipated locations of operation;

(g) Preferred region for inspection; and

(h) Such other information as the Division may request.

(2) Upon receipt of a complete application and the application fee, the Division shall direct the applicant to schedule an inspection.

(3) The Division shall issue a permit upon an approved inspection of a mobile food unit confirming that the mobile food unit meets the applicable standards set by statute.

(4) The mobile food unit shall prominently display the most recent permit issued by the Division while the mobile food unit is in use. This permit must be visible from the outside of the mobile food unit.

(5) Mobile food unit permits shall be effective for three hundred sixty-five (365) days from the date of issue and shall not be subject to renewal. A mobile food unit must obtain a new permit following the expiration of an existing permit.

(6) Upon a failed inspection for permitting approval, the Division shall inform the applicant of all code deficiencies and advise the applicant to schedule a follow-up inspection upon their correction if the applicant intends to pursue a permit with the Division.

(7) Any subsequent inspection(s) required as a result of a failed inspection shall require a fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

(8) The Division will conduct an initial inspection for permitting approval and may conduct additional inspections upon receipt of a complaint or if the Division determines the inspections are necessary to address code violations or an observation of unlawful conditions in violation of the standards in T.C.A. § 68-102-123(e). If the code violations have not been corrected within the thirty-day period, then the mobile food unit shall discontinue service under the Division's permit until the violations have been corrected. If the Division determines at any time that the holder of a permit does not meet all requirements for the issuance of the permit or that there are code violations, the Commissioner may issue an order as provided by T.C.A. § 68-102-123(f).

(9) If a mobile food unit changes, removes, or adds any equipment installed in the mobile food unit beyond the equipment that was inspected for approved permit, the permit-holder shall apply for and receive a new mobile food unit permit, including paying all fees for such a new permit, prior to operating the mobile food unit.

Notes

T.C.A. § 0780-02-02-.07

Emergency rule filed October 3, 2023; effective through March 31, 2024. Emergency rule expired effective April 1, 2024, and the rule reverted to its previous status. New rules filed January 17, 2025; effective 4/17/2025.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 68-102-123 and 68-102-155 and Chapter 390, Public Acts of 2023.