Tennessee Statewide Rule
Tennessee Mobile Food Unit Health Permitting Requirements
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- TDH or local health
- Statute
- T.C.A. 68-14-301 et seq.
- Commissary
- Approved base required
- Manager cert
- CFPM required
Summary
Tennessee Department of Health regulates mobile food units statewide through Rule 1200-23-01, requiring food service permits, commissary agreements, and inspections that cities cannot waive.
Prescribe rules and regulations, including emergency rules, governing the alteration, construction, sanitation, safety of food and operation of food service establishments as may be necessary to protect the health and safety of the public, and require food service establishments to comply with these rules and regulations. A non-elected body of any municipality, county, or metropolitan government shall not enact any ordinance or issue any rule or regulation pertaining to food safety or the provision of nutritional information related to food or drink, or otherwise regulate menus at food service establishments.
Full Breakdown
Under T.C.A. 68-14-301 et seq. and TDH Rule 1200-23-01, every mobile food unit operating in Tennessee must obtain a food service establishment permit, operate from an approved commissary, and pass health inspections. Operators must hold a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. The permit follows the truck, and reciprocity exists across counties through TDH. Cities may add zoning, vending location, and business license rules on top, but cannot waive state health requirements.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without a TDH permit: closure, fines up to $500 per day, and confiscation of food product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Tennessee food truck need permits in every city?
Can a food truck operate without a commissary?
Sources
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