New: the free 12-step MobCater startup guide is now in the app. Open the app →

What Do EHOs Look For When Inspecting a Catering Trailer?

by Ryan
(Suffolk)

Mustard twin-axle catering trailer serving Caribbean food to a queue at a busy UK summer food fair

Mustard twin-axle catering trailer serving Caribbean food to a queue at a busy UK summer food fair

Hello there, bought a catering trailer few months ago, still revamping it as we speak... it came with all the equipment I need as it was a Caribbean cuisine trailer.
Deep cleaning the whole trailer, renewing work tops, added new waste pipes, hot and cold water supply, water pump, added extra electric plug, installed towel dispencer and signs etc ...

What do EHO look out for in catering trailers ? I've been a chef for over 9 years so I'm used to eho picking paperwork and day dots in restaurants but I've been told eho are more flexible to catering trailers etc...?
I want to be prepared before I get them in. I've purchased all signs needed, coloured boards, have a up to date level 2 food cert, even purchased a better food better business pack, also bought 3 analogue thermostats for the fridge freezer and drinks fridge....

Comments for What Do EHOs Look For When Inspecting a Catering Trailer?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 27, 2026
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		What Do EHOs Look For When Inspecting a Catering Trailer?
by: MobCater

Ryan, nine years in kitchens puts you well ahead of most people I hear from, and the work you've done on the trailer sounds like the right kind. The bit I'd push back on is the idea that EHOs go easier on trailers. They don't really. The same food hygiene law applies, and your trailer gets a rating under the same scheme as a restaurant. The only real allowance is that the rules for movable premises are applied so far as is reasonably practicable, which means the EHO accepts a smaller space and carried water, not lower standards.

They score you on three things: how you handle food, the condition and cleanliness of the unit, and how confident they are in your management, which really means your paperwork. In a trailer the first thing most EHOs check is the hand wash basin. It needs to be separate from your washing up sink, with hot and cold running water, soap and paper towels, so it's good you've plumbed that in properly. They'll then look at how much fresh water you carry and where the waste goes, because running out halfway through a busy day is when standards slip.

Next is temperature. Your analogue fridge thermometers are useful, but you'll also need a probe thermometer and probe wipes to go with it. They'll expect fridges at 8°C or below by law, and I'd aim for 5°C. Hot food should be held at 63°C or above, and food cooked through to 75°C. With Caribbean food, expect questions about rice. If you cook it ahead, they'll want to know how quickly it's cooled and that it's only reheated once, because Bacillus cereus is the classic risk there.

Then comes the paperwork you already know from restaurants. Your SFBB pack needs to be filled in, not just sitting on the shelf, with daily opening and closing checks, a cleaning schedule and allergen information covering the 14 allergens for every dish. Jerk marinades and bought in sauces often carry celery, mustard or sesame, so check every label. They may also ask to see your gas safety certificate and an electrical test, so keep copies of both on board.

The structure counts too. Worktops, walls and floors need to be smooth, easy to clean and in good repair, with no gaps where pests can get in.

One tip from experience. Register with your council at least 28 days before you trade, and when the EHO visits, ask them to talk you through anything they'd want changed. Most are happy to advise, and fixing something before you open costs far less than fixing it after a poor rating.

Best of luck

David

Disclaimer: Food safety rules are updated from time to time. Always check the latest FSA guidance and speak to your local EHO for the most current requirements in your area.

Try the free MobCater App, our startup checklist and guide walks you through every step: https://www.mobcater.co.uk/mobile-catering.html

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Mobile Catering Food & Hygiene Certificate.

Your first trading day is closer than you think

Start free today with the 12-step guide, and skip the trial and error most new caterers learn the hard way.

Start the free 12-step guide