By Bob Katzen

On May 26, the Committee on Public Health gave a favorable report to and recommended passage of 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. The committee then sent the measure to the House Ways and Means Committee when it still lingers, awaiting action.

“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) back in May. “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.”