Georgia Statewide Rule
Georgia Mobile Food Service Permits Through Health Code
Key Facts
- Governing Statute
- O.C.G.A. 26-2-370
- Reciprocity Law
- HB 1443 (2022)
- Permit Issuer
- County health, state rules
- Commissary Required
- Yes, for all mobile units
Summary
Georgia requires statewide mobile food service permits issued by county health departments under uniform Department of Public Health rules.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a food service establishment without having first obtained a valid food service establishment permit. Such permits shall be issued by the county board of health or its duly authorized representative, subject to supervision and direction by the Department of Public Health; but, where the county board of health is not functioning, such permit shall be issued by the Department of Public Health. Except as provided for in Code Section 26-2-379, such permits shall be valid until suspended or revoked and shall not be transferable with respect to person or location. When a mobile food service establishment has been permitted in any county, that permit shall be recognized by all counties pursuant to Code Section 26-2-379. Except as provided for in Code Section 26-2-379, nothing contained in this article shall prevent any municipality from adopting rules and regulations governing the licensing and operation of food service establishments.
Full Breakdown
Under O.C.G.A. 26-2-370 et seq. and Georgia Department of Public Health Rule 511-6-1, mobile food service establishments must obtain a food service permit, operate from an approved commissary, and meet uniform food safety standards. While business and zoning permits are local, the food safety permit is governed by statewide rules and inspected by county environmental health offices acting on behalf of the state. House Bill 1443 (2022) further allowed food trucks permitted in one Georgia county to operate in others without duplicate health permits, subject to notification.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without a permit or commissary can result in shutdown, fines, and product destruction by the health department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Georgia food trucks need permits in every county?
Who inspects food trucks in Georgia?
Sources
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