What licenses and permits are required to open a food truck in the Ohio state?

To open a food truck in the state of Ohio, you need to obtain a Mobile Food License. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of food truck you operate and the county or city where you plan to do business. However, the general process involves submitting a detailed plan of your proposed mobile unit, a complete menu, and manufacturer specification sheets for your equipment. You also need to schedule a pre-operational inspection and comply with the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code.

1. Mobile Food License

• Purpose: This license is required to operate a food truck in Ohio. It is issued to a movable structure that must change locations at least once every 40 days. The license is valid anywhere within the state of Ohio, as long as local regulations are followed.
• How to Register: You need to complete the Mobile Food Operation Requirements checklist and submit a detailed drawing of your proposed mobile unit, a complete menu, and manufacturer specification sheets for your equipment to the Summit County Public Health Food Safety Unit or the relevant health department in your area. You also need to schedule a pre-operational inspection. The license will not be issued until all requirements are completed and the inspection shows that you are in compliance with the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code.

2. Peddler’s Permit

• Purpose: This permit may be required in some localities, such as Columbus and Worthington, in addition to the Mobile Food License.
• How to Register: You need to apply for this permit from the city's Permit or Zoning Department.

3. Mobile Food Service Operation or Mobile Retail Food Establishment License

• Purpose: This license is required to operate a food truck in the City of Cincinnati. It is issued to operations from a movable vehicle, portable structure, or watercraft that do not remain in any one location for more than 40 days.
• How to Register: Applications for this license should be submitted to the licensor for the health district in which the applicant's business headquarters are located. If the headquarters are located outside the state, the application should be submitted to the licensor for the district where the applicant will first operate in Ohio.

For more information, you can refer to the following sources:

• Summit County Public Health
• Franklin County Public Health
• Columbus Public Health
• Cincinnati Health Department
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