Temporary Food Facilities

Temporary Food Facilities

A temporary food facility is any establishment operating temporarily in connection with any community event where food is prepared or served for consumption by the campus community or general public. The California Retail Food Code Law dictates the requirements for the operation of a temporary food facility.

Events/facilities requiring a permit

For a group to be eligible for a health permit the event would need to meet the legal definition of a “Community Event” as defined by the California Retail Food Code below. “Community Events” are public gatherings that encompass multiple aspects other than food and have multiple vendors, for example public festivals, Circus, and fairs per Calcode §113755. Examples of “Community Events” on campus are Picnic Day and Whole Earth Festival.

Per campus policy public health-290-40 “Community Events” on campus need a department sponsor to help organize and oversee all aspects of the event including application process, event set up and take down.

Please submit an event organizer application if your event meets the legal requirements for a “Community Event”.

California Retail Food Code. Section 113755. Community event

"COMMUNITY EVENT" means an event conducted for not more than 25 consecutive or nonconsecutive days in a 90-day period and that is of civic, political, public, or educational nature, including state and county fairs, city festivals, circuses, and other public gathering events APPROVED by the local ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

Events/facilities NOT requiring a permit

The following events do not require an EH&S permit, but still have the potential for a foodborne illness outbreak:

Bake Sales

Items allowed without a permit include prepackaged and labeled goods that include no creams, fillings or other ingredients that require refrigeration. Baked goods must be limited to cookies, brownies, and nonperishable confections. Read more about Bake Sales

Prepackaged Non-Potentially Hazardous Foods

Prepackaged foods that do not require temperature control such as potato chips, candy, soda, and other snacks are exempt from permitting if it remains under 25 square feet.

Prepackaged Black Coffee

Packaged, non-refrigerated creams and individually packaged condiments are permitted. No milk items requiring refrigeration are allowed.

Private Events 

Private events are limited to members of a group, organization, club, or invited guests. These might include:

  • A food event that is ENTIRELY staffed by professional caterers
  • Pot-luck style gatherings
  • Banquets, socials or meetings
  • Department-sponsored lectures, panels, presentations or receptions with refreshments for attendee