With the official start of the summer season upon us, and festival season in full swing, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department would like to remind operators of food trucks that they must obtain a license to sell food.

If a food truck operator isn’t already licensed, and they plan to operate at a scheduled event, they must apply for a Temporary Food Service Operations license. That application must be submitted at least ten (10) days before the start of the event.

Once an operator obtains a food service operation license from the Health Department, that license must be displayed at all times at its licensed location.

If a mobile food truck is found to be operating at an event without a license, they will be advised to stop operations and leave the event immediately. No temporary licenses will be issued on-site during an event. This licensing process is in place to ensure that inspectors have ample time to inspect and recommend changes so that food operators may serve their food safely. The instructions and temporary license application can be found on the health department’s website.