Food vending carts in unincorporated LA County must meet Department of Public Health CMFO standards. LA County partnered with the City of LA to provide free health-compliant carts to qualifying vendors through the sidewalk vending program.
Food vending carts in unincorporated LA County must meet Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) standards set by the Department of Public Health. Carts must include proper food storage, handwashing stations, waste disposal, and temperature control for hot and cold foods. LA County partnered with the City of Los Angeles to provide free health-compliant food carts to qualifying vendors through a design and manufacture program announced in September 2024. The free cart program aims to help vendors come into compliance with health regulations while reducing barriers to legal vending. Non-food carts must still meet size and ADA pathway requirements. All carts must be removed from public rights-of-way when not in active use during permitted hours. Cart identification and SVRC numbers must be displayed.
Operating without a health-compliant cart: food safety citations with fines starting at $500. Improper food temperature or sanitation violations may result in immediate shutdown and permit suspension.
See how Lancaster's cart & stand rules rules stack up against other locations.
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