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.

WHAT IS A COMPACT MOBILE FOOD OPERATION?

Yolo County Environmental Health (YCEH) regulates Compact Mobile Food Operations (CMFOs).

   A CMFO is defined as a type of mobile food facility operated from any of the following:

1. An individual, stand, showcase, rack, display limited to the sale of prepackaged non-potentially hazardous foods (nonPHF) or whole uncooked produce.

• Food must be displayed on shelving or racks that are 6” above the ground surface
• May be exempt from permitted if offering 25 sq. ft. or less of prepackaged nonPHF or whole uncooked/unprocessed produce, which includes back-up inventory not on display.   

2.  A pushcart, pedal-driven cart, wagon, or other nonmotorized conveyance that may be approved for pre-packaged food or 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.
• To be operated out of a home. Microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKOs) are not allowed in Yolo County.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CMFO?

If you are thinking about starting a CMFO but are unsure of whether it can be permitted, please fill out the CMFO Proposal form and submit to YCEH by email at ehealth@yolocounty.gov. One of our Environmental Health Specialists (inspection staff) will review the document and call or email you. Please indicate on the proposal form if language assistance is needed when we try to contact you.

You can also bring the CMFO to our office during office hours of Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am to 9am without an appointment. We are located at 292 W. Beamer Street in Woodland, California. We will need the following documents from you:

• Food Facility Plan Review Application 
• Commissary Agreement (if the commissary is outside of Yolo County, the second page will need to be signed by the EH department that regulates the facility)
• CMFO Proposal Form English / CMFO Proposal Form Spanish
• Copy of Food Handler Card (required within 30 days of opening for business) 
• Most recent health inspection report for the commissary 
• Sample Menu

For more information, please see the following documents:

CCDEH - CMFO Pre-packaged Cart Operation Package - English

CCDEH - CMFO Pre-packaged Cart Operation Package - Spanish

CCDEH - CMFO Un-packaged Cart Operation Package - English

CCDEH - CMFO Un-packaged Car Operation Package - Spanish

CMFO Guidelines

CMFO FAQ's