Alabama Statewide Rule

Alabama Mobile Food Unit Health Permits Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Alabama (2026)

Key Facts

Health rules: ADPH Admin. Code 420-3-22
Permit issuer: Alabama Department of Public Health
Commissary: Approved base required
Statewide reciprocity law: Act 2026-398 (SB197)
Reciprocity effective: January 1, 2027

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Alabama Department of Public Health

Summary

Every food truck in Alabama must hold a mobile food establishment permit from the Alabama Department of Public Health under Admin. Code Chapter 420-3-22, operate from an approved commissary, and meet uniform sanitation standards. A 2026 law creates statewide inspection reciprocity beginning January 1, 2027.

(b)(1) On and after January 1, 2027, a mobile food unit that holds a valid health inspection certificate and a valid fire inspection certificate in accordance with subsection (c) shall be exempt from any further health or fire safety inspections that are or would otherwise be required by the governing body of a county or municipality or political subdivision thereof as a condition to operating the mobile food unit in that local jurisdiction; provided, however, a county health department or certifying fire official may: (i) inspect a mobile food unit at any time while in operation; and (ii) order the mobile food unit to immediately cease operations if a significant health violation or life safety violation is discovered. (2) The health inspection and certification described in subdivision (1) shall be conducted by the county health department in the jurisdiction where the mobile food unit's commissary is located. The fire inspection and certification shall be conducted by any fire official of a local fire department in the state authorized pursuant to subdivision (c)(1).

Source: Alabama Department of Public HealthView official code

Full Breakdown

Alabama Administrative Code Chapter 420-3-22, the Food Establishment Sanitation Rules adopted from the FDA Food Code, defines mobile food units and requires each to obtain a permit from the Alabama Department of Public Health or its designee. Operators must work from an approved commissary, maintain potable water, dispose of wastewater properly, and meet handwashing, food-temperature, and food-handler requirements. Historically, permits were issued county by county. A 2026 law, Act 2026-398 (SB197), creates a single statewide inspection system: beginning January 1, 2027, one valid health inspection (from the commissary's county) and one fire inspection are recognized statewide, ending duplicative county inspections. Local business licenses still apply.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without a required ADPH permit can bring fines, cease-and-desist orders, food embargo, and misdemeanor charges; repeat sanitation violations can cause permit revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate health permit for each city?

Under a 2026 law (Act 2026-398), beginning January 1, 2027 a single statewide health and fire inspection is recognized across Alabama, ending duplicative county inspections. Local business licenses still apply.

Can I prep food at home for the truck?

No. ADPH Chapter 420-3-22 requires food preparation and storage at an approved commissary kitchen, not a private residence, with documented servicing of the mobile unit.

Are food handler cards required?

Yes. ADPH requires a certified food protection manager, and most jurisdictions require accredited food-handler training for employees.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.