How to Prep a Trailer for Health Department Inspection

Passing your health department inspection on the first try saves time, money, and momentum. The key is building with inspection in mind from day one instead of trying to “clean it up” at the end.

Know Your Local Requirements Early

Before you build, get a copy of your local health department’s mobile food unit requirements. Look for specific notes on:

• Required sink count and sizes.
• Tank size ratios for fresh and greywater.
• Hot water temperature requirements.
• Surface and material requirements for walls, floors, and counters.

Water System Checklist

Make sure your water system is fully functional and easy to demonstrate:

• Fresh and greywater tanks properly installed and connected.
• Water pump working with no leaks.
• Water heater producing hot water at the sinks.
• Drainage working smoothly with no drips or puddles underneath.

Surfaces and Cleanability

Inspectors don’t want to see raw wood or rough surfaces in food prep or wash areas. Instead, they want:

• Smooth, non-absorbent wall coverings such as FRP.
• Floors that are intact, sealed, and cleanable.
• Counters and shelves that can be wiped down and sanitized.

Layout and Food Flow

Your layout should separate raw ingredients, cooking, and serving as much as possible in the small space you have. Make sure:

• Sinks are accessible and not blocked by equipment.
• Refrigeration is holding safe temperatures.
• There is adequate lighting so staff can see what they’re doing.

General Cleanliness

On inspection day, your trailer should look like it’s ready to serve that day:

• No construction debris, dust, or tools lying around.
• Surfaces wiped down and free of grease or residue.
• Trash containers present and lined.

Documentation and Communication

Have manuals for key equipment, especially your water heater and refrigeration, available if needed. Be ready to answer basic questions about your menu and how you’ll keep food at safe temperatures.

A calm, organized inspection where everything works and looks clean makes it easy for the inspector to sign off and let you move on to actually running your business.