FAQs • Washtenaw County, MI • CivicEngage

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Are you planning to sell a variety of foods throughout Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan?: A Specialized Transitory Food Unit (STFU) license is probably right for you. An STFU is typically an enclosed trailer with its own water supply and wastewater holding tanks. An STFU may have a more diverse menu than a mobile food cart, and it does not need to have a commissary.

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Food Safety - Events & Outdoor Food Service

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1. Are you planning on a one-time event or operating at only a few events during the year?: A Temporary Food License is probably the best license for you. A temporary food establishment operates at a fixed location for a temporary period not to exceed 14 consecutive days. Examples include a food booth at a fair / football game, a restaurant preparing food offsite, and a private organization serving food to the public.

2. Are you planning to sell hot dogs seasonally or throughout the year in Washtenaw County?: A Mobile Food Cart License is probably right for you. A mobile food unit is an open air cart that has a very limited menu, limited facilities, and must work with a licensed commissary (such as a licensed restaurant). The mobile cart must return to their commissary at least once every 24 hours it is in operation.

3. Are you planning to sell a variety of foods throughout Washtenaw County and the state of Michigan?: A Specialized Transitory Food Unit (STFU) license is probably right for you. An STFU is typically an enclosed trailer with its own water supply and wastewater holding tanks. An STFU may have a more diverse menu than a mobile food cart, and it does not need to have a commissary.