Maine Mobile Food Vendors Need State Licenses Statewide

Mobile food vendors in Maine operate under 22 MRS Chapter 562 and the Maine Food Code (10-144 CMR Chapter 200). Vendors who only sell pre-packaged food from approved sources need a Mobile Vending License from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Operators who prepare food on the truck must obtain an Eating Place license from DHHS Health Inspection Program, with a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff. Statewide-license holders may operate in any Maine community, while Portland, South Portland, Lewiston, and Auburn issue municipal-only Eating Place licenses. State requirements apply uniformly even where towns add zoning or fee rules.

Operating without the required state license is a violation of Maine Food Code subject to closure orders, fines under 22 MRS Chapter 562, and product seizure for unsafe food.