North Carolina Statewide Rule

North Carolina Mobile Food Unit Permitting Statewide

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across North Carolina (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: N.C.G.S. 130A-248
Rules: 15A NCAC 18A .2600
Permit: Recognized statewide
Commissary: Required base of operations

Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: North Carolina General Assembly

Summary

North Carolina regulates mobile food units under N.C.G.S. 130A-248 and 15A NCAC 18A .2600, requiring uniform statewide permits, commissary requirements, and inspections by local health departments.

The Commission shall adopt rules governing the sanitation of pushcarts and mobile food units. A permitted restaurant or commissary shall serve as a base of operations for a pushcart. A mobile food unit shall meet all of the sanitation requirements of a permitted commissary or shall have a permitted restaurant or commissary that serves as its base of operation. Pushcarts or mobile food units that are based from a permitted commissary or restaurant that is located on the premises of a facility which contains at least 3,000 permanent seats shall be allowed to prepare and serve food on the premises. Raw meat, poultry, and fish shall be prepared in a permitted commissary or restaurant in a pre-portioned or ready-to-cook form. Pushcarts or mobile food units that handle raw ingredients shall be equipped with a handwashing sink.

Source: North Carolina General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

N.C.G.S. 130A-248 authorizes the Commission for Public Health to adopt rules for food establishments including mobile food units. Rules in 15A NCAC 18A .2600 require an annual permit, an approved commissary base of operations, and compliance with the FDA Food Code as adopted by North Carolina. Inspections are performed by local environmental health specialists, but standards are uniform statewide. Mobile units that operate in multiple counties only need one permit recognized statewide for the operating year. Push carts and limited food service have separate categories.

Violations & Penalties

Permit suspension or revocation; civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation under N.C.G.S. 130A-22; immediate closure for imminent health hazards

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate food truck permit for each county?

No. Under 15A NCAC 18A .2600, a mobile food unit permit issued in one county is generally recognized statewide for the operating year, though operators must notify local health departments where they operate.

Is a commissary required for food trucks?

Yes. State rules require mobile food units to operate from an approved commissary or base of operations for food preparation, storage, and waste disposal, except for limited categories like push carts.

Sources

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