Here in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA we have a vibrant food community. We have a university which has developed a farm-to-table food system, including online shopping and home delivery, as well as pick up sites.
We also have a growing Mobile Food Unit system, which is currently being regulated and licensed by the local county Public Health Offices. See the attached document used to oversee the safe handling of food when served from a truck, van, trailer or other mobile unit.
While this is not my field of expertise, I am keenly aware of the need to provide access to safe food even in the most difficult places. Here in the USA where I live, the food trucks are used mostly at worksites, parking at the building to serve lunch or dinner to the workers, who otherwise would have to heat in a kitchen their employer may have provided. It is becoming less common to see a kitchen at a work site. The other option for these workers is to drive home or to a closer restaurant. Both are more expensive due to the cost of the food, or the gas in transportation. It has become more economical to eat food purchased from a food truck. That is why food safety must be established and monitored for these vehicle carrying and preparing food, a new phenomenon.
While it is important for quality food to reach all people, education about the safe and clean methods of handling, storage and preparing need to be included in the process. Especially for the consumer, who is equally responsible to use safe food handling methods when eating away from home or other safe dining facilities.
May you and yours..Be In Good Health,
Laura L Dawson, MAOM, Dipl.Ac.
Mme Laura L. Dawson, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac.