Mobile Food Units & Pushcarts

Mobile Food Unit 

A mobile food unit (MFU) is a food establishment, such as a truck or trailer, designed to be readily moved and vend food from within. Approval of food items being prepared and sold from a mobile food unit is directly proportional to the presence of mandatory equipment located within the unit and/or at the affiliated commissary. A mobile food unit must work with a permitted commissary, which may be a restaurant or shared kitchen. Upon application, proposed commissaries are evaluated by MCEH and are not guaranteed to be approved. Mobile food units must return to the commissary each day of operation for supplies, cleaning and servicing, according to NC rules. 

Pushcart

A pushcart (PC) is a mobile piece of equipment or vehicle used to vend food. Pushcart menus are restricted to the service of hot dogs and similar pre-cooked and packaged items along with their associated condiments, pre-packaged drinks and snacks. A pushcart must work with a permitted commissary, which may be a restaurant or shared kitchen. Upon application, proposed commissaries are evaluated by MCEH and are not guaranteed to be approved. Pushcarts must return to the commissary each day of operation to service the unit and restock according to NC rules. 

Commissaries

If you are looking to open a commissary for use by mobile food units, pushcarts or caterers, see the Primary Kitchen Application below. You must have a method of monitoring units, separating storage in refrigeration, dry storage areas and warewashing facilities. A commissary must also have an accessible service sink with hot and cold water for units to refill freshwater and dump their wastewater. If you are a facility that is currently permitted and curious about serving as a commissary, please contact your MCEH inspector for more information. 

Applications and Forms

  • Mobile Food Unit or Pushcart Application Packet (PDF)
  • Commissary Agreement Form (PDF)
  • Primary Kitchen Application (PDF)
  • Secondary Kitchen (Caterer) Application (PDF)

Useful Documents

  • Employee Health Policy (PDF) 
  • Vomit and Diarrhea Clean-up Plan (PDF)
  • NC Rules Governing the Sanitation of Food Establishments (PDF)
  • NC Food Code Manual (PDF)