BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
COMPACT MOBILE FOOD OPERATION
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Compact Mobile Food Operation (CMFO) is the new category of Mobile Food Facility. CMFO is defined as a pushcart, stand, display, pedal-driven cart, wagon, showcase, rack, or other nonmotorized conveyance. A valid Health Permit is required for CMFOs, unless exempt.
CMFOs do not include what is commonly known as “pop-up”. Pop-ups can only operate in conjunction with a community event and must obtain a Temporary Food Facility Health Permit.
There are two types of food service for CMFOs, prepackaged and unpackaged:
Prepackaged Food
Prepackaged food items must be properly labeled and packaged. Plan submittal is required for review and approval before a Health Permit will be issued. Click on CMFO Prepackaged Food for information on plan submittal and Standard Operational Procedures. Use the Plan Submittal Checkbox to ensure that all necessary information is included as part of the plan submittal.
Unpackaged Food
Unpackaged CMFOs are restricted to Limited Food Preparation as defined in the California Retail Food Code section 113818. Examples of menu items that easily fit within Limited Food Preparation include but are not limited to hot dogs, shaved ice, roasted nuts, popcorn, or churros. Plan submittal is required for the review of any proposed CMFO, and plans must be approved before a Health Permit will be issued.
You may submit your plans and SOPs by:
- Submit plans by using the Plan Submittal Checkbox in the CMFO Unpackaged food link or
- Attach your completed plan and SOP packet to Environmentalhealth@longbeach.gov
Permitted Trucks and Carts — last updated 9.22.2025
