Louisiana Statewide Rule

Louisiana Mobile Food Permit Health Requirements

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Louisiana (2026)

Key Facts

Lead agency: LDH Sanitarian Services
Code: LAC 51:XXIII
Commissary: Required daily
Statute: La. R.S. 40:5.5

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Louisiana State Legislature

Summary

Louisiana Department of Health requires all food trucks and mobile food units to obtain state retail food permits and operate from approved commissaries. These sanitary requirements apply universally across all parishes, although local zoning and business licenses still vary by city.

A.(1) The department shall charge a fee for each required permit issued to a food establishment, as defined in the state Sanitary Code, including the following types of establishments defined therein: itinerant food establishment, itinerant retail food store/market, market, mobile food establishment, mobile retail food store/market, retail food manufacturer, retail food store/market, temporary food establishment, and temporary retail food store/market. (2) For each nonmobile location of a food establishment, the department shall require a permit for each mode of operation therein that, if standing alone, would meet the state Sanitary Code definition of a food establishment.

Source: Louisiana State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under La. R.S. 40:5.5 and Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51, Part XXIII (Sanitary Code Retail Food), every mobile food unit must hold a current retail food permit from the Louisiana Department of Health. Operators must report to a state-approved commissary daily for cleaning, water, waste disposal, and food storage. Trucks must comply with FDA Food Code-aligned standards for hot/cold holding, handwashing sinks, and food handler certification. Permits are not transferable. Inspections occur at least annually. While health rules are uniform statewide, local governments separately regulate parking, vending zones, and occupational licensing.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without LDH permit: fines up to $500 per day, immediate cease-operations order, and seizure of food deemed adulterated or unsafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state permit for a food truck in Louisiana?

Yes. Every mobile food unit must have a Louisiana Department of Health retail food permit in addition to any local business licenses, and must operate from an approved commissary base.

What is a commissary requirement?

A commissary is a licensed commercial kitchen where food trucks store supplies, dispose of waste, refill water, and clean equipment daily. Operating without commissary documentation violates state sanitary code.

Sources

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