ORLA Leads Inquiry Into Mobile Unit Operations on South Coast

ORLA has initiated inquiries with the Coos County Health Department and the Oregon Health Authority regarding complaints from restaurants in the North Bend/Coos Bay area about food trucks not complying with current county and state health code regulations.

After hearing from restaurant operators on the southern coast about possible infractions by food cart operators, ORLA reached out to local elected officials, the Coos County Health Department and the Oregon Health Authority to find out more about enforcement of the health code.  Specifically, there were questions around the proper storage of frozen foods off-site.

According to Oregon law, a food truck must operate from a licensed kitchen or commissary unless the food truck is fully self-contained.

Mobile food units must operate from a base of operation or be fully self-contained. The regulatory authority will determine whether self-contained mobile food units can operate without a base of operation. To do so, the units must contain all the equipment and utensils that a commissary would provide. A mobile food unit may not serve as a commissary for another mobile food unit.

In addition, any storage must either be in the unit itself or at a licensed kitchen or commissary.

Auxiliary storage shall be limited to an amount that can be used in a day's operation and stored in such a manner as to prevent contamination or infestation (water-tight covered containers). At the end of the day, items must be placed in the unit or a licensed warehouse. No self-service, assembly or preparation activities may occur from the auxiliary storage container. Refrigerators and freezers may not be placed outside the unit and must be in the unit or in a licensed warehouse. Handling of unpackaged foods, dishwashing and ice making are prohibited in a warehouse.

Find the complete mobile food unit operation guide here.

ORLA will continue to work with local and state health officials to ensure compliance and enforcement of current laws and will lead the discussion around any new laws needing to be considered for the public’s safety and well-being.

If you have questions or concerns about issues impacting your operation and/or community, please reach out to Greg Astley, Director of Government Affairs.

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