9-20-2023 12:18am

L.A. Supervisors' Mobile Food Discussion Postponed Until December

Lorraine Mabbett Editor

L.A. County Supervisors revision of County Code, Title 8, included a new & updated public health permit. Dr. Ferrer, Dir. of Public Health requested a postponement until 12/12/23.

The Board of Supervisors had scheduled time, at the 9/19/23 meeting, to discuss an Ordinance Amending County Code, Title 8 - Consumer Protection, Business and Wage Regulations to align with recent changes to the California Retail Food Code, pursuant to Senate Bill 972. BUT the Director of Public Health requested the discussion be continued to December 12, 2023.

Key points of SB972 which would be reflected in the LACBOS ordinance include:

Makes violations of State law or the LACC by an operator or employee of a compact mobile food facility or a sidewalk vendor punishable only by an administrative fine.
Defines and establishes a “compact mobile food operation ("CMFO")” as a mobile food facility that operates from an individual or from a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance.
Authorizes an enforcement agency to approve a permanent food facility to operate as a CMFO commissary with nonconforming structural conditions if those conditions do not pose a public health hazard.
Requires the local health agency to approve the storage of a compact mobile food facility in a permitted permanent food facility if, after initial inspection, the agency determines that the compact mobile food facility is protected from contamination.

Adoption of the recommended LA County ordinance would create new public health permit requirements and fees for inspections of CMFOs, site evaluations to ensure structural and operational requirements are met, and the final inspection of a CMFO for adherence to the pre-approved model plan.

The ordinance was previously continued to 6/13 from 5/23 at the request of the First District
and then subsequently to September 19, 2023.