Mobile Food Vendors
Whether you operate a food cart year-round or work seasonally in an ice cream truck the Health Department wants to help you operate your food vending unit safely and legally.
What Mobile Food Vendors Should Know
Our compliance guide will help you to keep your staff and customers safe from foodborne illnesses and avoid common violations. Download What Mobile Food Vendors Should Know (PDF).
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More important food safety and regulations guidance:
- Apply for a Mobile Food Vending license
- Renew a Mobile Food Vending license
- Apply for a Mobile Food Vending permit
- Renew a Mobile Food Vending permit
- Read the complete Rules and Regulations for Mobile Food Vending (PDF)
- Mobile Food Vendors may operate only where allowed by law. See the locations where mobile food vending operations are not allowed (PDF) Other languages (PDF): [Ελληνικά] [বাংলা] [العربية] [فارسى] [हिंदी] [اردو] [Español] [中文] [Русский]
- Most businesses that operate or generate revenue on NYC parkland are considered concessions and must obtain a permit or license from NYC Parks. Join their electronic mailing list to receive notifications by completing this online form.
- See guidelines for obtaining a Mobile Food Vending Permit
- Read the NYC Business Solutions Guide to Street Vending (PDF)
- If you want to run a mobile food cart in NYC, you must take the Food Protection Course for Mobile Vendors and obtain a Mobile Food Vending License.
- See which permits and/or licenses you will need and how to apply
- NYC Green Carts are mobile food vendors that offer fresh fruits and vegetables in certain parts of NYC. Learn how to apply for a license and what resources are available for green cart vendors.
- Permit holders and vendors must keep their mailing address current with the NYC Health Department. Updates can be made by going online or going in person to the Citywide Licensing Center, 42 Broadway, 5th floor. Open Monday- Friday, 9-5.
- 2014 Permit Holders workshop presentation: Important information for Mobile Food Vending Permit Holders (PDF)
Food Safety Video
Mobile Food Vending: Hot and Cold Food
If you serve food from a mobile cart or truck, you must store and prepare food according to food safety guidelines. Learn what your business needs to know know about safely operating a mobile vending unit.