Pushcarts and Mobile Food Units

What is a Pushcart?

A pushcart is a mobile piece of equipment or vehicle which prepares, handles or serves hot dogs; however, other foods may be served from a pushcart, based on departmental approval.

What is a Mobile Food Unit?

A mobile food unit is a vehicle-mounted food service establishment designed to be readily moved. It has a potable water system under pressure that furnishes hot and cold water for all food preparation, utensil cleaning and handwashing. A handwashing lavatory with hot and cold water, soap and single-service towels must be provided as well as a single-compartment sink large enough to submerge, wash and rinse cooking utensils, with splashback protection and drainboards. Water-heating facilities must also be provided.

General Requirements:

Pushcarts (PUC) and Mobile Food Units (MFU) must comply with the N.C. Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments (15A NCAC 18A .2600  www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/rules/t15a-18a.26.pdf, Section .2638, General Requirements For Pushcarts And Mobile Food Units; Section .2639, Specific Requirements For Pushcarts; and Section .2640, Specific Requirements For Mobile Food Units.

• The Rules Governing the Sanitation of Restaurants and Other Foodhandling Establishments require that Pushcarts and Mobile Food Units obtain a permit prior to operation. No foods can be prepared at home or in any other non-permitted kitchen.
  
• Pushcarts and Mobile Food Units must operate in conjunction with a permitted restaurant establishment (commissary). A commissary form must be completed and on file at Wake County Environmental Services. This document is also available in Spanish. The permitted facility (commissary) must allow the PUC and/or MFU to return for servicing at least once each day of operation. The commissary must hold a current restaurant permit and be able to supply the necessary services for any unit served. Any existing restaurant establishment proposing to serve as a commissary for a PUC or a MFU must be evaluated by the Wake County Environmental Health Plan Review Section to determine if facilities are adequate to comply with the rules.
  
• A service request form must be completed and submitted to the Plan Review Section to initiate an evaluation of the commissary or the unit itself.
  
• For additional information on requirements, read our "Guidelines for Interpreting Mobile Food Unit Requirements."
  
• To submit a commissary or service request form, please fax to 919-743-4772.

For further assistance, please contact Wake County Environmental Services at 919-856-7400.