By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Public Health held a public hearing on legislation that would require food trucks to be subject to an annual health inspection by the state. The Commissioner of Public Health would establish regulations for the annual health inspection of food trucks and would prescribe rules and regulations related to inspection schedules, documentation of inspections, standards for acceptable cleanliness and the costs of these inspections.

“Food trucks in Massachusetts must secure certification from the Boards of Health and fire departments in each of the towns where they operate,” said bill sponsor Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow). “Often those municipalities have their own set of standards, inspection practices and timelines and fees – making the process expensive and time-consuming. This legislation would streamline the regulations and permitting process for food trucks with a statewide standard, creating a process that better supports Main Street and the commonwealth’s restaurant industry.”