Senate Bill 972 (Gonzalez) was enacted and becomes effective
January 1, 2023. This new bill changes the California Retail Food
Code by establishing a new Chapter in the California Retail Food
Code (CRFC) titled “Compact Mobile Food Operations.” These
changes were intended to promote economic inclusion while
modernizing the CRFC so that sidewalk food vendors can obtain a
permit and join the regulated vending economy.
Looking to start a Compact Mobile Food Operation
(CMFO)?
Review the presentation slides or listen to a recording in
English or Spanish to learn more.
CMFO Presentation PowerPoint English
| Español
CMFO Presentation Recording English
| Español
What is a CMFO?
The new type of food facility is called a Compact Mobile Food
Operation (CMFO). A CMFO is a type of mobile food facility that
operates from any of the following:
-
An individual, stand, showcase, rack, or display – may be
exempt from permitting if offering less than 25 sq. feet of
prepackaged non-potentially hazardous food
-
A stand, showcase, rack, display – limited to the sale of
prepackaged non-potentially hazardous foods
-
A pushcart, pedal-driven cart, wagon, or other nonmotorized
conveyance – may be approved for limited food preparation
A CMFO:
-
Must meet all the requirements listed in Chapter 10 (Mobile
Food Facilities), except as provided for in the new Chapter
11.7 (Compact Mobile Food Operations).
-
Is required to operate in conjunction with a commissary,
mobile support unit or other facility approved by the
enforcement agency.
A CMFO is not:
-
A pop-up tent with multiple pieces of equipment set up. All
equipment must be integral as part of a pushcart,
pedal-driven cart, wagon, or other nonmotorized conveyance.
-
Motorized Mobile Food Facility
How to apply for a CMFO:
1. Review the Matrix | Español
2. Read Storage and Commissary Guidelines | Español
3. Review Prepackaged Cart | Español or
Unpackaged Cart | Español Requirements
4. Submit a CMFO Application | Español
5. Read Frequently Asked Questions | Español
6. Sign
up for important Environmental Health Services CMFO
updates
Supported Vending Site Guidelines | Español
*Exemptions: CMFOs that have less than 25 square
feet of display space and sell only non-perishable prepackaged
food or whole, uncut fruit and produce.
For more information on CMFO requirements, please contact San
Mateo County Environmental Health Services Food Program at
envhealth@smcgov.org or
650-372-6200.