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Pennsylvania Statewide Rule

Pennsylvania Food Truck Health Licensing Requirements Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Pennsylvania (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
3 Pa.C.S. Section 5701 et seq.
Code chapter
7 Pa. Code Ch. 46
License fee
$35-$241
Commissary
Required base
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Summary

Pennsylvania's Food Code requires all mobile food units to obtain retail food facility licenses through the Department of Agriculture or local health departments.

(a) Unlawful conduct.-Except as provided in subsection (b), it shall be unlawful for any proprietor to conduct or operate a retail food facility without first obtaining a license for each retail food facility as provided in this subchapter.

Source: Commonwealth of PennsylvaniaView official code

Full Breakdown

Pennsylvania's Retail Food Facility Safety Act (3 Pa.C.S. Section 5701 et seq.) and Food Code (7 Pa. Code Chapter 46) require all mobile food facilities to be licensed annually. The PA Department of Agriculture issues licenses outside Philadelphia, Allegheny, Erie, and Bethlehem, where local health departments handle licensing. License fees range from $35 to $241 based on operations. Mobile units must operate from a licensed commissary, pass annual inspections, and follow FDA Food Code-based requirements adopted by Pennsylvania regulation.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without a license is a summary offense with fines up to $300 per day. Repeat violations can lead to misdemeanor charges and license revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Pennsylvania license food trucks?
The Department of Agriculture licenses statewide except in Philadelphia, Allegheny, Erie, and Bethlehem, where local health departments handle mobile food facility licensing.
Do food trucks need commissaries in Pennsylvania?
Yes. State Food Code requires mobile food units to operate from a licensed commissary for food preparation, storage, water filling, and waste disposal.

Sources

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