FSA Inspection

by Warren
(Lancashire)

FSA inspection for mobile catering

FSA inspection for mobile catering

Hi When I have registered my mobile catering street food business with the local council (FSA) where will they want to inspect all my equipment etc. To put you in the picture I'm thinking of starting up a gazebo type street food stall at the local markets and events around the area where I live. I will be selling American style pancakes with a selection of topping. So because I am mobile and will be working from a stall and not a van or a trailer (just for now) all the equipment I use will be stored in a small van and wont be set up and the pancake mixture (dry powder) and the topping sauces i.e. maple syrup, chocolate sauce etc and water for the mixture will also be stored in the van. I live in a small park home (a type of residential caravan) so there will be no food stored or prepped there for the stall as this would be awkward. The food prep is minimal and will be done when the stall is set up at the market or event I will be traveling to. So if i can't trade until the FSA has done an inspection my stall and equipment wont be set up so will the come to my home and inspect everything as it is packed away in the van or will they want to see it all set up. Somebody told me they need to see it set up and working but how of I can't trad until it's been inspected and pasted ?
Hope this makes sense So sorry if this is long winded.

Kind regards
Warren

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Oct 27, 2025
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by: MobCater

That’s a great and very common question — and your situation makes perfect sense.

When you register your street food business with your local council (via the FSA registration), an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will contact you to arrange an inspection. You can trade before inspection as long as you’ve registered at least 28 days before starting — you don’t need to wait for approval first.

For mobile or gazebo setups like yours:

The EHO usually inspects your setup at a market or event once you’re operating.

If that’s not possible, they may visit your home or storage location (like your van or unit) to check your equipment, storage, and hygiene arrangements.

They’ll want to see your hand-wash setup, utensils, cleaning products, food storage, and waste disposal plan.

They understand mobile traders don’t have fixed premises — so as long as your system is clean, safe, and compliant (even when packed in the van), that’s fine.

You can prepare by:

Having your hand-wash station ready to demonstrate (e.g., 10L water container with tap, soap, and paper towels).

Showing how you’ll separate raw and cooked foods (different boxes or areas).

Keeping cleaning logs and temperature checks handy.

You’ll be inspected when you’re set up at your first event or when it’s most practical. The key is to be organised and able to show how your process keeps food safe.

Simple Disclaimer

This is general guidance based on UK FSA rules. Always follow your local council’s specific advice, as inspection approaches can vary slightly by region.

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