This booklet has been produced as guidance to help you, the operator of a mobile food vehicle to ensure your vehicle is safe and that any food sold does not cause food poisoning.
Before you can begin to operate a mobile catering unit, you must register your vehicle with the local authority where it is based at least 28 days before you intend to open.
This booklet not only sets out the legal requirements that you must comply with, but also offers advice and good practice measures from relevant industry codes of practice and relevant British Standards etc. By following the advice it will help you to make sure your vehicle complies with the law.
This is done by completing a food registration form which can be obtained from Norwich City Council by calling 0344 980 3333.
You must ensure the local authority has up to date information on your business, including notifying when there is any significant change in activities and any closure of an existing business.
To help tell the difference between the two, all legal requirements are shown in bold type.
Certain streets and land may be either prohibited or restricted for trading purposes, and planning permission may be required in certain circumstances to trade from private land. Both you and the site owner should contact planning services via the council's main number on 0344 980 3333 for further information on this matter.
There is a checklist provided at the front of the booklet. By filling it in it will help you find out whether you and your vehicle meet the relevant standards.
A street traders licence may be required depending on where you intend to trade. Further information can be obtained from the markets section via the council's main number on 0344 980 3333.
Having decided to operate a mobile food vehicle you must ensure your business meets the requirements set out in the following sections.
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