La Paz County Health Department
1112 Joshua Ave., Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100 Fax 928-669-6703
http://www.co.la-paz.az.us
Environmental Health Division
GUIDELINES FOR MOBILE FOOD UNITS
Mobile Food Operations and Food Carts
in La Paz County, Arizona
Please submit permit application with fee at least 15 days prior to opening for
review and processing - thanks!
Questions? Email questions to: jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topic
Application Process Notice
Licensing Time Frames
Definition of a Mobile Food Unit (MFU)
Health Department Office Hours
How to Obtain a Permit
Types of Permits
General Operating Requirements
Set-up of Unit
Signage and Operating Permits
Food Handlers Card Requirement
Person In Charge
Commissary Requirement
Plan and Operating Information
Plan Requirements
Construction
Water/Wastewater Tanks
Exhaust Hood
Fire Department Approval
Plumbing Specifications
Lighting Specifications
Food Boat
Food Cart
Enforcement
Application (Detach and Return)
Page Number
3
4
5
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6
6
7
7
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7
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10
11
12
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17 - 21
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 2
La Paz County Health Department
Office Hours 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Monday Thursday
Environmental Health Division
(EHD) 1112 Joshua Ave.,# 206
Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100
Fax 928-669-6703
ARS §11-1606 Application Process Notice for MOBILE Food
Establishment Permits
Permits are NOT transferrable; new owners must submit an application for a food
establishment license prior to opening for business. The license will be put in the new
owner’s name.
Under ARS §11-1606, La Paz County is required to give you the following
information when you apply for a Mobile food establishment permit. The
following steps are required to obtain a MOBILE Food Establishment permit:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Obtain a copy of the “Mobile Food Unit Guide” and read thoroughly. If you have questions,
contact the Health Department at 928-669-1100 and ask to speak to a Health Inspector.
Fill out application “Mobile Food Unit Application for an Annual Operating Permit”
completely. Incomplete applications will delay permit approval or be denied.
Application must be submitted at least 15 days prior to opening with the correct fee.
Review/permit fees are nonrefundable.
The Health Department will review and contact you via some type of written correspondence,
either email or by letter with written approval OR a written list of deficiencies which must be
addressed before approval can be issued.
If deficiencies are listed, provide required information and resubmit.
If approval is given, a pre-opening inspection is required before opening to the public. Please
contact the office for an appointment with Health Inspector to conduct a pre-opening
inspection.
If approved to operate, an operating permit will be issued at time of pre-opening inspection.
Food handler cards are required. A copy of a food handler card from another jurisdiction may
be submitted with appropriate fee ($15.00) and a La Paz County Food Handler card will be
issued. Otherwise, all food handlers and people working in Temporary booth must come to
Health Department for Food Handler classes (offered Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday
from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm) and take the test.
-If a reinspection is required during any part of the permitting or inspecting
process, a reinspection fee of $100.00 will be assessed.
-If denied during any part of the permitting process, an appeal of the decision can
be requested by written request to: Director, Environmental Health Division, 1112
Joshua Ave., 206, Parker, AZ 85344.
- If application is not received at least 15 days before opening, a $50 Late Fee will
be assessed and must be paid before a permit is issued.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 3
Applicable licensing time frames (in days): Time frames can be
found in the Arizona Administrative Code, R9-8-104
Statutory
Authority
Administrative
Overall
Completeness
Time-frame
Review
SubStantiv
e Review
A.R.S. §36136(H)(4)
60
30
30
A.R.S. § 36136(H)(4)
90
30
60
Approv Approval of HACCP PLAN under A.R.S. § 36F FC §8-201.13
136(H)(4)
90
30
60
Approv Approval of Quality Assurance A.R.S. § 36Progra Program
136(H)(4)
90
30
60
Type
FOOD
TYPE OF APPROVAL
E FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE
ApprovApproval of Plans and
SpecifiSpecifications under FC §8201.11 201.11
Name and telephone number of a person who can answer questions or provide
assistance during the application process: Your assigned inspector either in person
or at (928) 669-1100. If you are unable to receive assistance from the
inspector, you may contact the Environmental Health Director at (928)669-1100.
Under ARS §11-1609, you may request that the County clarify its interpretation or application of a
statute, ordinance, regulation, delegation agreement or authorized substantive policy statement
that affects the issuance of your food establishment permit by providing the County with a written
request that states:
1. Your name and address;
2. The statute, ordinance, regulation, delegation agreement or authorized substantive policy
statement that requires clarification;
3. Any facts relevant to the requested ruling;
4. Your proposed interpretation of the applicable statute, ordinance, regulation, delegation
agreement or authorized substantive policy statement or part of the statute, ordinance, regulation,
delegation agreement or authorized substantive policy statement that requires clarification;
5. Whether, to the best of your knowledge, the issues or related issues are being considered by
the County in connection with an existing license or license application.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 4
Mobile Food Unit Guidelines
A Mobile Food Unit (MFU) refers to an enclosed vehicle-mounted, boat-mounted, or
trailer-mounted food establishment designated to be readily movable from which food
is composed, compounded, processed or prepared and from which food is vended, sold,
or given away as determined by the La Paz County Health Department.
EXAMPLE OF A MOBILE FOOD UNIT
This is a fully enclosed, vehicle-mounted Mobile Food Unit – annual permit is
allowed with a permitted commissary on file.
Each unit must be operated in full compliance with the La Paz County Regulations (including
Health Department and Zoning) and the Arizona Food Code (available online at http://co.lapaz.az.us/) and Town zoning and business regs (Quartzsite and Parker)
Office Hours
Location:
1112 Joshua Ave., #206, Parker AZ 85344
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm (Closed holidays)
Inspection Hours: BY APPOINTMENT ONLY in Parker Office
Call 928-669-1100 to schedule an appointment
Mobile Units must be brought to the Health Department main office for a pre-opening inspection
and subsequent permit renewal inspections unless previous arrangements have been made.
Permits
All Mobile Food Units must be in full compliance before any permit will be issued including fully
operational equipment and hot water to all sinks. Operating Permit must be posted inside of
unit.
The following information is required to obtain a permit:
1.
Properly completed application with all supporting documentation including a drawing,
2.
Vending Route if applicable,
3.
Signed Commissary Agreement,
4.
Toilet Use Agreement (if applicable), and
5.
Permit Fee or Proof of Non Profit Status.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 5
Types of Annual Permits/Fee Schedule for Mobile Food Units
Prepackaged food with NO refrigeration
Type A
$100.00
Type 1
Mobile
$175.00
Food Carts
$175.00
Type 2
$250.00
Type 3
$350.00
Unshelled nuts, uncut produce and vegetables
(Commissary is not required)
Low risk food with minimal prep
Hot dogs, fountain drinks, coffee, popcorn, slushy
drinks, retail grocery stores with refrigeration
(Commissary is required).
See specific requirements for Food Carts
(Commissary is required).
Prepared food with moderate prep
Hamburgers, fast food, sandwiches/deli
(Commissary is required).
Complex preparation
Making soups, sauces from scratch, full service food
establishments such as Mexican or Chinese food,
breakfast with eggs, gravy, sausage
(Commissary is required).
General Operating Requirements for all Mobile Food Unit Permits
Food Products
1.
All food and beverages must be from an approved source
(USDA/FDA/State/County approved processing facility) and must be
safe, unadulterated, and honestly presented. Homemade food products
are prohibited including condiments.
2. All packaged foods shall be labeled in English in accordance with FDA
guidelines (product name, processor name, address/phone of processor,
weight and ingredients list). Records of food purchases, invoices, and
receipts must be kept with the operation and be available for review
during routine inspections for at least 90 days following the date of
purchase.
3. All condiments must be dispensed from squeeze bottles, pump
dispensers, individual packets, or condiment containers with self-closing
lids.
4. All potentially hazardous foods prepared in the mobile food unit must
be prepared on the same day of sale or service. Hold over of
potentially hazardous food from a previous day’s operation is
prohibited.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 6
1.
2.
3.
1.
1.
2.
3.
Set-up of Unit
All mobile food units must be maintained readily movable at all times.
Temporary electrical connection may be used for units operating at a set
location; however, the mobile food unit must have an alternate power
source as a back up or the unit must close if power is interrupted.
All food service and preparation must occur from within the mobile food
unit or approved commissary. A variance for an outside bbq grill for
meat can be allowed under certain conditions with variance application
and variance fee ($75.00) submittal and approval from the Health
Department IF there is adequate cooking equipment inside the unit for
cooking meat if required. Applicant must be able to show that food
safety will not be compromised by cooking meat outside, showing proper
food handling and food safety methods.
Signage/Operating Permit
Operating permits must be clearly visible from the serving window of
the unit or driver’s side window. In addition, the Permit to Operate
must be posted within view of public at all times. Photocopies are not
allowed.
Food Safety Knowledge
Food service workers are required to obtain Food Handler cards. Please
call 928-669-1100 for information on testing and locations.
A Person In Charge is required to be on site during all times of
operation. This is a person who oversees all aspects of food service and
safety on the Mobile Food Unit and must be knowledgeable in food
safety and have authority to make decisions about processes and food
handling.
Current La Paz County food handler cards must be posted inside of unit.
Failure to have cards posted is a critical violation and subject to
enforcement action and $100 re-inspection fee
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 7
Commissary
The commissary is a base of operations for mobile food units selling potentially
hazardous foods. Mobile food units are required to operate from an approved
commissary unless the operator can show that all operations can take place within
the unit.
The commissary is used to store food and food equipment, conduct food preparation
such as cutting raw beef and preparing food, disposing of wastewater into a sanitary
sewer, cleaning, and servicing unit.
Food for a Mobile Food Unit must be stored in the commissary if there is not room
in the Mobile Food Unit for the storage. Mobile Food Units can not use tents or
outside storage areas for storage of food and/or equipment.
A commissary is a food establishment which is in compliance and is
permitted/licensed by the La Paz County Health Department or other regulatory
agency.
Plan and Operating Info (Application) Submittal
Plans can be submitted as part of the application or a separate set of plans can be submitted.
Generally, the plan review process takes at least 10 business days to complete so please plan
accordingly. It is recommended that the all information on the mobile food establishment be
submitted at least 30 days prior to proposed opening date.
After the information has been reviewed, a Notification of Review letter will be mailed giving
approval or explaining deficiencies with the plan and operating information. If approved, you may
proceed with construction, remodeling, or conversion of the unit. If the reviewer lists changes
to be made per The Arizona Food Code, you must make those changes on the
plans/application/operating information and resubmit before approval will be given and a permit
to operate will be issued.
When construction is complete, make an appointment for a pre-opening inspection
by calling 928-669-1100. The mobile food unit must be clean and ready to operate and brought
to the Health Department main office.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 8
This is a Mobile Food Unit – it is fully enclosed with a screened window.
Plan Requirements
The plans and specifications for all Mobile Food Units shall include the following
information, all labeled clearly:
1.
Proposed layout, mechanical schematics, construction materials, and
finish schedules.
2. The plans should be submitted to scale (if possible) and must include
the following:
a.
Provide details in the plans such as the capacities, positioning, and
placement of the potable water tank, wastewater tank, and hot
water heater. In addition, the placement of the water inlets and
outlets for the potable and wastewater tanks must be shown.
b. Show number, types, and location of all sinks and drain boards as
well as dimensions for all sink compartments and drain boards.
c.
Show all refrigeration and cold holding equipment and label.
d. Show food preparation and service areas. Provide the dimensions
of the service windows.
e.
Show the dry goods storage areas and food storage areas.
f.
Show the location of vents for the water tanks, and the backflow
prevention and overflow devices in the plumbing system.
g.
Provide a finish schedule (i.e. stainless steel, FRP, etc.) for the
floor, wall, and ceiling surfaces.
h. Show the design, positioning, and placement of the
hood/ventilation system.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 9
Example of a fully enclosed, vehicular-mounted Mobile Food Unit.
Construction Requirements
The following list is meant to help outline certain requirements of the Arizona
Food Code. It is not all inclusive and other requirements may be applied
depending on the menu and special needs of the unit.
General Specifications:
1. Equipment must be constructed of approved material, be adequate in
size, easily cleanable, and in good repair. Equipment design, construction,
and installation must be certified by an ANSI (American National
Standards Institute) accredited certification program such as NSF, UL,
or equivalent. The use of household refrigerators, stoves, sinks, vent
hoods, and other equipment is NOT permitted.
2. Food contact surfaces in the food preparation and utensil washing areas
shall be free of breaks, open seams, cracks, chips, inclusions, pits, sharp
internal angles, corners, and crevices.
3. Wall surfaces may be FRP, stainless steel, or aluminum.
4. Floor surfaces used may be aluminum diamond plate, stainless steel, or
commercial grade vinyl composition tile or sheets.
5. Ceiling surfaces can be stainless steel, plastic laminate, plastic coated
fiberboard metal clad Fiberboard or FRP.
6. Exterior surfaces must be weather resistant.
7. Outer openings must be protected, there should be no gaps or holes at
floors, walls, and ceilings.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 10
Service Opening Specifications:
1.
Service openings shall be equipped with a self-closing screen or window.
2. The service windows must be protected against entrance of pests with
approved, self-closing screen, windows, or mechanical air curtains over
the windows.
Sink Specifications:
1.
2.
3.
A permanently installed commercial grade hand wash sink must be provided in
the food preparation area.
A NSF approved (or equivalent) stainless steel three-compartment sink with
two integral drain boards must be installed. Each compartment must be large
enough to submerge the largest item to be washed.
Sink faucets shall be mixing or combination type, shall provide at least 1 gallon
per minute flow rate and shall reach all compartments in multi-compartment
sink, with hot water available to all sinks.
Water and Wastewater Tank Specifications:
1.
Provide a permanently mounted potable water tank that can hold a
minimum capacity of 30 gallons. The potable water system must be
directly and fully recharged when filled from a water inlet. The water
heater capacity should be included in the potable water system capacity
if the water from the water heater’s tank can be fully discharged when
the potable water tank is empty.
2. Provide a permanently installed wastewater storage tank that is 15%
greater than the combined capacity of all tanks that can hold potable
water. This would mean all potable water tanks plus the water heater
tanks capacity.
3. The water heater shall be of adequate capacity and recovery rate to
furnish a continuous supply of hot water whenever the vehicle is in
operation. Minimum capacity is 5 gallons.
This is a Mobile Food Unit.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 11
Exhaust Hood Specifications:
1.
All hoods must comply with the latest Uniform Mechanical Code.
2. Commercial cooking or display equipment which produces smoke, steam,
grease, mists, particulate matter, condensation, vapors, fumes odors, or
creates sanitation or indoor air quality problems will require a hood.
3. Hoods shall be designed and installed to prevent grease and
condensation from collecting on walls, ceilings, and from dripping into
food or food contact surfaces.
4. Canopy hoods must have a least a 6 inch overlap, over all cooking
surfaces, on all open sides. All hoods shall be flashed solid to the ceiling
or adjacent walls.
5. Exhaust fans, makeup air fans, and inside fan motors on units supplying
make-up air shall be interlocked so they operate simultaneously and shall
be operated by a single switch.
6. Hoods should be constructed to be NSF approved or equivalent in
design, and meet local Fire Code.
Plumbing Specifications:
1.
All materials used in the construction of the plumbing system must be
drinking water approved, including water holding tanks, pipes, pumps,
hoses, connections, etc.
2. A food grade water hose must be provided and designated for drinking
water use only. This hose is to be used only to fill the fresh water tank.
Store the hose on the vehicle with ends fastened together.
3. All connections on the vehicle for waste disposal shall be of different
size or type than those used for supplying potable water to these
vehicles. The waste connection shall be located lower than the water
inlet connection to preclude contamination of the potable water system.
In addition, wastewater outlets shall be greater than 1” unless otherwise
approved by the Department.
4. All water tanks, pumps, and hoses shall be flushed and sanitized before
being placed in service after construction, repair, modification, and
periods of non-use longer than 7 days. Potable water tanks shall be
flushed and sanitized monthly.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 12
Lighting Specifications:
1. Minimum lighting requirements are 50 foot candles where a food
employee is working with food.
2. All bulbs must be shatterproof or shielded.
Example of a fully enclosed Mobile Food Unit
Example of a light shield around a Fluorescent Tube
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 13
Food Boat
A Boat-Mounted Mobile Food Unit
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
All of the Guidelines for Mobile Food Units apply to boat-mounted mobile
foot units.
The watercraft’s kitchen and preparation area must be enclosed with
outer openings screened, and must meet all requirements of the
Guidelines for Mobile Food Units as well as AAC, Title 9, Chapter 8,
Article 1 Food and Drink of the Arizona Food Code.
All Equipment must be NSF approved, commercial grade equipment.
Appropriate sinks must be available (handsinks and three bay sinks and
prep sinks, if applicable) with hot water available to the sinks.
A Toilet Use Agreement may be required if a restroom is not available on
the boat.
All boats must operate out of an approved commissary. A commissary
agreement must be submitted with the application for permit. A new
commissary letter must be filled out and signed each time the permit is
renewed.
 There must be a water tank and wastewater tank sized to fit
requirements of the Arizona Food Code.
 A complete application including drawing must be included.
EXAMPLE OF FOOD BOAT
Kitchen and prep area must be fully enclosed
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 14
Food Carts
The Food Cart is a commercially manufactured food unit but is not fully enclosed. A variance is
built into this permit. The Food Cart is restricted to non-potentially hazardous and must have a
limited menu which is approved by the Health Department before operation.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
All food carts must be commercially designed and manufactured per NSF requirements
or other accrediting agency.
All equipment must be NSF commercial grade equipment, meeting all temperature
requirements including cooling and cooking. No ice chests allowed.
Handsink with hot water available must be built into unit.
Food carts must be non-potentially hazardous food (popcorn, coffee, drinks). Exceptions
allowed are coffee drinks with milk and hot dogs only. No chili or cheese or other
potentially hazardous food can be served with hot dogs.
The unit must have a commissary nearby which is used for all food preparation, ware
washing, disposal of wastewater, food storage, and other necessary food establishment
functions. The unit must check into commissary daily and have a signed commissary
agreement on file with the Health Department.
A Toilet Use Agreement may be required.
The Person In Charge must be onsite at all times.
Cart can not operate during windy weather, when flies/birds/insects are present, or if
other conditions exist which necessitate closure.
This is an Example of a Food Cart
An annual permit is allowed with a permitted commissary on file and a restricted
menu.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 15
Enforcement
1.
If a Mobile Food Unit or Food Cart is found operating out of compliance
with state or local codes, and having a critical violation, it will be
necessary for the food unit to close immediately if correction can not be
made, and request an inspection for re-opening when in compliance with
Arizona Food Code ($100 re-inspection fee).
2. FYI – Common violations include
-Not having food handler cards for all people working in the unit,
-No Person In Charge available in the unit,
-Food and supplies stored in tents or outside of unit,
-No screening available when flies are present.
NOTE: A Temporary Food Booth does not have to have commercial grade
equipment and facilities. A Temporary Food Booth can not obtain an annual or
seasonal permit. It is allowed to operate for 14 days maximum at any one
Special Event location. A Temporary Food Booth should not be confused with a
Mobile Food Unit. A Mobile Food Unit could obtain a Temporary Food permit but
a Temporary Food Booth can not obtain an annual Mobile Food Unit permit.
Temporary Food Booth
This is a Temporary Food Booth and would not be allowed to operated
longer than 14 days at a Special Event. A set up of this type CAN NOT
be given an annual Mobile Food Unit permit.
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 16
MOBILE FOOD UNIT (MFU) Application for an Annual Operating Permit in
La Paz County Arizona
► Please submit at least 15 days in advance of anticipated operation
1. These Items MUST be included with the application (Appendixes are available on County
website www.co.la-paz.az.us > Environmental Health > Food Safety):
◊ Application and Fee(s) and any requested Variances (Appendix E & F additional $75.00 fee for a
variance, including outside cooking variance),
◊ Complete Menu,
◊ Plan of Booth/Mobile Unit and complete food operation (storage, prepping, cooking, receiving) – separate
page is enclosed,
◊ Licensing Eligibility information and Copy of ID (a copy of both sides of ID is required by law)
◊ Photographs of the food unit, inside and out – all required,
◊ Nonprofit Status if applicable (Appendix B),
◊ Commissary Agreement (Appendix D),
◊ Vending Route if applicable (Appendix G), and
◊ Toilet Use Agreement if applicable (Appendix H)
2. Business Name
Name on side of unit
Home/Business Phone
Cell Phone Number
Owner/Operator Name
Email address
Mailing Address
3. Anticipated Opening Date:
Location:
4. Attach a Vending Route or Calendar if known
Months of Operation:
Time(s) of Operation:
5. Type of Food Service preparation (Check appropriate Type – see MFU Guide for details)
□Type A Mobile
$100 – includes prepackaged non-potentially hazardous food such as bottled water,
canned soda, packaged chips and candy. Also includes whole, uncut produce and vegetables (No food
handler card is required). No food prep or handling. No commissary is required.
□Type 1 Mobile
$175 – includes low risk food, minimal prep – hot dogs (no chili or cheese), coffee,
fountain drinks, ice, popcorn, slushy drinks, prepackaged food with refrigeration such as packaged cheese,
ice cream (no service), bacon, packaged milk. Milk and hot dogs (no chili or cheese) are the only Potentially
Hazardous Food used in prep or open food service. A commissary is required.
□Type 1 Food Cart $175 – Food above for a Type 1 can be served.
This is an open unit and not
completely enclosed, commercial Food Cart (see MFU Guide for requirements). It operates under a built-in
variance. A commissary is required.
□Type 2 Mobile
$250 – includes food with moderate preparation or service – dipped ice cream, corn
dogs, hamburgers, fast food type meals, hot dogs with chili and cheese, brauts, fried doughnuts, deli
sandwiches, fry bread –may use some raw ingredients but minimal assembly /same day service/heat and
serve. A commissary is required.
□Type 3 Mobile
$350.00 – includes complex preparation of food– such as making soups/sauces
from scratch, full service food establishments such as Chinese and Mexican food, cream pies/pastries from
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 17
scratch, tri tips, chicken, pork, beef – hot and cold food prepared and held for more than 12 hours before
serving/cooking and cooling if part of the handling process/food is prepared for off-site service/vacuum
packaging, reduced oxygen packaging are performed at the retail food level/food is served to a highly
susceptible population. Commissary required.
Miscellaneous Fees
Expedited Review Fee
Variance Request Fee
*Re-inspection Fee
Food Handler Card
$50.00
75.00
100.00
15.00 annually
*A reinspection fee is required if an establishment receives a score of “N” (Needs improvement) or lower.
The establishment must pay the $100 reinspection fee at time of reinspection.
NONPROFIT OPERATIONS. Nonprofit operations may be exempt from operating permit fees.
Nonprofit operations are not exempt from fines, reinspection fees, late fees, or expedited
review fees.
________________________________________________________________________
6. Toilet Facilities are required for employees if at a site longer than one hour. See
requirements on Appendix H. Will you be at any one location longer than one hour and if so, are
toilet facilities available?
Complete and submit Appendix H Toilet Use Agreement if using private toilet facilities,
obtaining owner’s signature to allow usage of toilet facilities.
7. Where will food be purchased?
Name of Store
Town
Travel time from store to mobile food unit or commissary:
_______________ minutes
How will food be kept cold or hot during travel time?
8. How will leftovers be handled at the end of the day?
9. Will you cook and then cool down food? Yes No
If yes, please describe your process for insuring the rapid cooling of cooked food:
Will all food be stored and prepared inside booth/mobile unit? Yes or No
Will you be using :
____ An offsite commissary (complete Appendix C Commissary Agreement Form)
Name of Commissary __________________
____An onsite commissary (separate application must be submitted )
____ Food will be purchased, prepared, and stored DAILY – all prep and storage inside of unit
10. Is food pre-cooked (in cans or frozen) and then reheated?
Or is food raw and then cooked to temperature?
If so, please describe cooking process (may use a separate page if necessary):
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 18
11. How will hot water be made available for
handwashing and dishwashing?
12. Name(s) of Person(s) In Charge (a Person In
Charge must be present during all hours of
operation):
Note: People working in food unit must have La Paz County
Food Handler Cards prior to working in the unit.
13. Name of Public water system or name of
hauled water company:
14.
Size of wastewater/graywater tank:
___________________ gallons
Size of potable water tank:
__________________gallons
15. How will electricity be provided to your unit?
16. Cooking Equipment. Please explain your method of cooking food – give types and number
of units, manufacturer name, model, etc. - commercial grade equipment required for mobile
food units.
NOTE: All equipment must have ANSI (NSF) certification.
17. List a full menu of items to be prepared and served.
18. Describe the utensil wash station and the procedure to wash, rinse, sanitize, and air dry utensils and
equipment:
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 19
Number of sanitizer buckets for wiping clothes in MFU _____
Type of sanitizer:
Note: Sanitizer test strips must be available for use in unit.
19. Are you requesting a Variance/Waiver for the following (check as applicable)? Note: There
is a $75.00 fee for each variance request.
□Outdoor Cooking Variance (must have complete cooking equipment inside and meet variance
requirements for outside cooking- see Appendix E BBQ Variance)
□Other Variance – please explain on Appendix F General Variance
20. Plan Drawing of Mobile Food Establishment
(Please draw to scale if possible -can be submitted on another page if necessary)
These items must be clearly shown on the plan:
a. All areas of food receiving, storage, preparation, cooking, cooling, service
b. Location of entrance and exits
c. Food service window
d. Equipment, all sinks, floor sinks, plumbing, lighting, water tank, wastewater tank
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 20
21. Material Schedule (Type of Construction Materials)
Please give construction materials for the following (example – wood, canvas, metal, tile, FRP)
Walls –
Ceiling Floor Doors/Entries –
Lighting Are shields available for all lighting?
NOTE: Service Counter (service counter must be manned AT ALL TIMES if unscreened. Screening must be available for
windows and openings OR the unit must be closed during dust storms, weather events, or when insects/vermin/birds are
present)
22. Owner agreement and signature
◊ I have read the La Paz County AZ Mobile Food Establishment packet and understand that I must follow
all of the requirements stated in the Packet as well as pertinent requirements of the Arizona Food Code.
◊ I understand that I must only prepare and serve food that was stated on my menu and approved by the
Health Department and that all food is to be prepared and served from the food unit unless a variance has
been obtained from the Health Department.
◊ I understand that the Health Department can close my food establishment for critical violations. I
understand that reinspections because of a critical violation including lack of current food handler cards
will incur a $100 reinspection fee due at reinspection.
◊ I understand that all workers in the booth even if they do not cook the food must obtain a La Paz County
food handler card before working in the booth. People in the booth without a card will be asked to leave
and a critical violation will be assessed, requiring a reinspection with accompanying $100.00 fee.
◊ I agree to abide by the law and regulations of the State of Arizona and La Paz County.
◊ I understand that retention of this permit is contingent upon satisfactory compliance with all local and
state regulations.
**************************************
Licensing Eligibility Required per ARS 41-1090 >>Please attached a copy of identification – both sides of ID.
Check the type of I. D. you will be submitting:
□ AZ driver license issued after 1996 or AZ non-operating I.D. license
□ A driver license issued by a state that verified lawful presence in U. S. (Licenses from HI, IL, ME, MD, NM, TX, UT,
and WA are NOT acceptable)
□ A birth certificate issued in any state, territory or possession of the U. S.
□ A U.S. certificate of birth abroad □ A U. S. passport □ A foreign passport with U. S. visa
□ A I-94 form with a photograph
□ A U. S. certificate of naturalization
□ A U. S. certificate of citizenship
□ A U. S. citizenship and immigration service employment authorization document or refugee travel document
□ A tribal certificate of Indian blood □ A tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth
By my signature below, I hereby certify, under penalty of perjury that the copy of the document I am providing is a true
and accurate copy of the original document and that I am legally authorized to be present in the United States. If
further agree to operate under all requirements of the Arizona Food Code and La Paz County regulations as outlined in
the statements above.
Applicant Signature
Date _____________________
------------Health Department Use Only Below This Line ----------------Received Date ____________
Received within 15 days? Yes No
Approval Date ____________ Staff __________
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 21
aaxMFU Guide July 2011
La Paz County Health Department/1112 Joshua Ave., 206/Parker AZ 85344
928-669-1100/Fax 928-669-6703/jmccluskey@co.la-paz.az.us
Page 22