Mississippi Statewide Rule
Mississippi State Permit Rules for Food Trucks and Mobile Units
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- MSDH Food Protection
- Statute
- Miss. Code § 41-3-15
- Risk-based fees
- $40 to $264.50
- Onboard sink
- Three-compartment required
- Manager rule
- Certified manager required
Summary
Mississippi requires every mobile food unit to hold a Mississippi State Department of Health food permit, employ a certified food manager, and pass routine inspections. Local cities may add zoning rules but cannot waive state health permits.
To require that a permit be obtained from the Department of Health before those persons begin operation. If any such person fails to obtain the permit required in this subparagraph (ii), the State Board of Health, after due notice and opportunity for a hearing, may impose a monetary penalty not to exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each violation. However, the department is not authorized to impose a monetary penalty against any person whose gross annual prepared food sales are less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). Money collected by the board under this subparagraph (ii) shall be deposited to the credit of the State General Fund of the State Treasury.
Full Breakdown
Under Miss. Code Section 41-3-15 and the MSDH Food Code, anyone preparing, holding, transporting, or serving food for pay must obtain a state food permit. Mobile food units, including food trucks and trailers, are categorized by risk level with annual fees ranging from forty dollars at Risk 1 to two hundred sixty-four dollars fifty cents at Risk 4, plus a plan-review fee. Each unit must operate from an approved commissary, carry a three-compartment sink, and employ a Certified Food Protection Manager. Food handlers need a state Food Handler card within thirty days of hire. MSDH inspections occur one or two times per year. These health rules apply statewide.
Violations & Penalties
Operating a food truck without an MSDH permit, missing a certified food manager, lacking a commissary agreement, or failing inspections can trigger immediate shutdown, fines, and permit revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an MSDH permit cover me in every Mississippi city?
Do I need a commissary kitchen?
What does a Food Handler card require?
Sources
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