Wisconsin Statewide Rule
Wisconsin Mobile Retail Food Establishment Licensing
Key Facts
- Statute
- Wis. Stat. ch. 97
- Code
- ATCP 75
- Agency
- DATCP
- Commissary
- Required
Summary
Wisconsin requires all food trucks to be licensed as Mobile Retail Food Establishments under Wis. Stat. ch. 97 and ATCP 75. State licensing is uniform statewide, though local zoning and parking rules also apply.
Requirement. Except as provided under par. (b), no person may operate a retail food establishment without a valid license issued by the department or an agent city or county.
Full Breakdown
Under Wis. Stat. ch. 97 and Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 75 (Wisconsin Food Code), all mobile food units must obtain a Retail Food Establishment license from DATCP or an agent local health department. The state code adopts the FDA Food Code and applies uniform standards for food handling, equipment, water, waste, and operator training. Mobile units must operate from a licensed commissary and undergo inspection. Municipalities retain authority over zoning, parking, and where trucks may locate (vending zones), but cannot impose food safety standards weaker than ATCP 75. License fees vary by local agent jurisdiction.
Violations & Penalties
Operating without a state license may result in immediate closure, forfeitures up to $1,000 per day, and license denial. Food safety violations trigger citations and possible permit suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state license to run a food truck?
Can cities set their own food safety rules?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.