Union 3109

Archive for the ‘health department’ Category

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My mission in this article is to give you a feel for the kind of equipment that’s usually required by the health department and equipment that’s traditionally used in a personal kitchen but can also be used to get your business started. I’ve also included a few helpful tips that can make your work a little easier, less time consuming and more profitable.

Here’s your first money-saving tip: used commercial equipment will more than satisfy your needs. Commercial equipment tends to have a long operating life when it’s taken care of properly.

The following equipment list will be especially helpful if you’re operating on a shoestring budget. It will also be useful if you are uncertain about operating this type of business and want to test the waters.

Ovens – The health department has no requirements concerning the size, type, or make of oven used in your business. You can use the same type of conventional stove that you have in your personal kitchen if it bakes properly and produces the results you need. But you should be aware that conventional ovens limit the quantity you can bake at one time and the speed of baking.

To increase production and keep up with demand, you’ll need a commercial oven, preferably convection. Convection ovens bake fast and efficiently. Before purchasing a commercial electric oven, inquire about wiring and outlets needed for operation. Before purchasing any type of gas oven, make sure you have enough space for a hood fan and proper ventilation.

Mixers – If you have budget concerns, a home-style stand mixer will work perfectly to get you started. I recommend KitchenAid mixers. If you have product demand and the budget, definitely invest in a commercial mixer. A used twelve or twenty-quart commercial mixer will get you off to a great start.

Refrigerators/Coolers – Are you watching the budget? If so, here’s another tip that will save you many dollars. Home-style refrigerators will work perfectly for your start-up and established business. Commercial refrigerators (referred to as coolers) can be expensive, even the used ones. So consider carefully the amount of space you have, the amount of product to be chilled, and your budget for refrigeration. Before purchasing a commercial cooler, inquire about the necessary electrical wiring and outlets needed for operation.

Proofing Cabinets – If you’re making large quantities of yeast breads, you will benefit from having a proofing cabinet. This cabinet maintains a warm temperature that’s perfect for the stage of bread making when the dough needs to rise and double in bulk.

Work Sinks – A stainless-steel compartment sink is usually a requirement of the health department. Even if this type of sink is not required, you should consider buying one. The convenience and ease of washing large sheet pans, large mixing bowls, and other oversized pieces make it well worth the cost.

Work Tables – The health department usually requires a certain kind of work surface for food preparation and protection. Stainless-steel tables are the most popular because they can be easily cleaned and do not absorb germs and other contaminants. There may be other tabletop surfaces that meet approval. Ask your health department for more information. The size table you buy should be determined by available space and the task to be performed. Rolling Pan Racks (Shelves) These heavy-duty metal racks are made to hold both half- and full-size sheet pans. They vary in height and the number of pans they hold. They are excellent space savers. Use them for cookies and cakes (before and after baking), ingredients, supplies, and more. One of the great convenience features is mobility. They can be moved to wherever you’re working. A pan rack is not required by the health department, but it should be near the top of your list of necessities. Used racks will work perfectly.

Storage Shelves – You’ll need lots of storage space for dry ingredients, packaging supplies, and other items. It’s always a great idea to make the most of your work space from floor to ceiling.

Hand Sink – A hand sink is generally a small sink used to wash your hands before and during work. This sink is usually required by the health department. You can save on cost by purchasing a fiberglass sink (called a utility sink) at most building supply stores.

Ingredient Bins – It’s not necessary to buy commercial storage bins for items like flour and sugar. Just go to a building supply store and purchase large thirty-two-gallon trash cans with lids. They must be new, of course. These cans will store a fifty-pound bag of flour or sugar and more. Do not empty the product directly into the trash can. Instead, drop the unopened bag into the can, and then open the top of the bag and dip out the product as needed.

More Tips: Before purchasing any large equipment, measure all doorways that the equipment has to pass through before it can be placed in the work area.

Always ask for a warranty. Most companies offer at least a thirty-day warranty on used equipment.

One of the things to consider before buying and setting up a food cart business is to acquire pertinent permits and licenses from the local government. Some states have more lenient regulations for running a cart business while some like California observe stricter laws to protect both the food vendor and the buyer.

The cost of these permits and licenses vary, depending on what the state or city requires. But generally, they are under $100. And the permits that an aspirant food cart vendor should obtain are the following:

* Business permit

At the early stage of a cart business, you are required to register with your local government. You will be asked about the details of your business as follows:

* The kind and type of food are you going to sell
* The type of food cart are you going to use
* The name of the business
* The area where you are going to operate
* The details on your tax payment

It is a must for you to provide your city government all this information before they can give you the license to operate. More so, they might still have other procedures for you to follow but that depends on the city you are going to put up your cart.

The cost of this license ranges from $60 to $400. This will depend upon which city you will run your business in. If you intend to establish your cart in a big and busy city like New York, expect that the license will cost you more than in a lesser populated city. Regardless, keep in mind that without the City Business License, it is impossible for you to carry on your business.

* Health permit

Before you can apply for a local health permit from your City Health Department, you must complete the necessary food safety training first. And during your application, the health authorities might also ask about the specifications of your cart like the manufacturer, built and make, schematic and special features, if any.

It is also possible that their food inspectors would physically inspect the cart. This is very important because they want to make sure that your cart meets all their health code requirements. Moreover, your cart may still be subjected to future physical inspection and surprise visits even after you start your food stand business.

So, you are advised to make sure that you are operating legally. Practice the safety food handling and procedures at all times. You don’t want to be caught red handed, so better adhere to the strict guidelines and regulations of your local health department.

* Special police permit

If you intend to set up your vending cart business in a public place, you must obtain a permit to operate from your local police department. However, if you are eying for a privately owned property, you have to get permission or authorization from the owner.

Police permit is only given to those individuals who would want to set up their food stand on public areas such as the following:

* amusement parks
* beaches
* playgrounds
* fair or carnival grounds
* bus and train stations

On the other hand, privately owned properties are also great locations in setting up the food cart, and the best places to put up your food cart are in the following:

* big retail stores
* big factories
* business complexes
* car wash stations
* downtown street corner
* parking lots near other businesses
* truck stops or service stations