Food Trucks

• No, Michigan law does not permit making food in your home kitchen for sale from your food truck. You need to make all your food in your licensed food truck or commercial kitchen commissary.
• If you are not a licensed food truck, you can make and sell certain types of food from your Michigan home kitchen under the state’s Cottage Food Law. These must be non-potentially hazardous foods that can be sold directly to consumers, and there are specific labeling, sales, and product restrictions to follow. You do not need a license or inspection to operate under this law. See what’s allowed and what’s required: Cottage Food One Pager. 

With a Transitory Food Unit (TFU) license in Michigan, you can operate anywhere in the state—but you must notify the local health department at least 4 days before each event. You may also need local permits depending on the city or county.

• Food License: If you’re preparing and serving food (hot or cold), you’ll likely need a license from the local health department. If you just want to do a limited amount of events in Livingston County a year, look into temporary food permits.
• Cottage Food Law Exemption: If you’re selling low-risk homemade goods (like baked goods, jams, or dried herbs), you may qualify under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law and avoid licensing. However, you must label products properly and follow specific guidelines. Contact MDARD for further information.
• Vendor Approval: Each farmers market has its own rules. You must apply and be approved by the market manager, who enforces vendor policies. Contact the specific market.

It depends on the type of food and setup. While you may be able to sell hot dogs from a pushcart, you would need an enclosed unit for more complex cooking and assembly. If your menu is approved for a pushcart or tent set-up, you will not be able to add anything more complex to the menu in the future.

Most food establishments in Michigan need a certified food manager, though there are some exceptions. Low risk establishments are exempt from food manager certification.  This requirement will be determined on the menu and scope of operation.

The rules for using outdoor grills with food trucks in Michigan are determined by local municipalities and health departments. In many Michigan cities, outdoor cooking is prohibited, and all preparation must happen inside the fully enclosed and licensed mobile unit with a hood and fire suppression.

Yes, a Michigan food truck absolutely needs a dedicated hand sink for employee hygiene, separate from the three-compartment sink used for dishwashing. This hand sink must have warm running water, soap, and paper towels or other approved drying devices.

You must dispose of food truck wastewater at a designated disposal site, such as a commercial commissary, a restaurant with a sewer connection, or a wastewater treatment plant. Never pour wastewater on the ground, into storm drains, or into waterways, as this is illegal and can cause environmental harm. The Michigan Water Environment Association’s website has contact information for many wastewater facilities.

In Michigan, you can potentially use your home water for your food truck if it comes from an approved public water supply (municipal) and you follow the proper handling procedures. If your home is on a private well, you cannot use the water for your food truck unless it is tested and approved by the local or state health department.