San Francisco Food Truck Permit Violations & Health Code Compliance

Required Permits & Documentation Violations

San Francisco requires mobile food vendors to obtain a Mobile Food Facility Permit from the Department of Public Health before operating. Inspectors frequently cite violations for expired permits, missing Department Identification Numbers (DIN), and failure to post permit documentation visibly on the vehicle. Additional violations include operating without required commissary approvals, lacking proof of food handler certification for all employees, and missing health inspections records. Each missing document can result in separate citations, with fines ranging from $100 to $500 per violation depending on severity.

Temperature Control & Food Storage Violations

Mobile food units must maintain proper temperature zones for potentially hazardous foods—hot foods at 135°F or above, cold foods at 41°F or below. Inspectors use thermometers to verify refrigeration and heating equipment functionality. Common violations include malfunctioning coolers, thermometers missing from refrigeration units, and improper food storage sequences that risk cross-contamination. Storing raw proteins above ready-to-eat foods, failing to date-mark prepared foods, and keeping foods without adequate temperature controls are critical violations that pose immediate health risks and result in emergency closures.

Sanitation, Handwashing & Operational Violations

SF health inspectors verify that food trucks have adequate handwashing stations with hot and cold running water, soap, and paper towels—violations here often result in immediate citations. Violations include dirty food contact surfaces, absence of hair restraints during food prep, and insufficient waste disposal systems. Inspectors also check for proper pest prevention measures, documented cleaning schedules, and compliance with SF's requirement that certain commissary activities (prep, cooking, storage) cannot occur in the mobile unit itself. Inadequate water supply or grey water capacity violations frequently trigger $250 to $500 fines.

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