Food trucks’ nomadic nature makes health inspections difficult

Lines started forming early at this food truck rally in Kettering in March. MARK FISHER/STAFF

Lines started forming early at this food truck rally in Kettering in March. MARK FISHER/STAFF
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By Mark Fisher
Sept 22, 2016
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Owners of increasingly popular food trucks are required by law to follow the same food-handling guidelines as those who operate bricks-and-mortar restaurants. But they are not required to be trained in proper food-handling techniques, while restaurant supervisors must obtain the training.

That was one of several findings in a Dayton Daily News examination of food-truck health inspections. The Dayton Daily News reviewed food-truck inspection reports compiled by the agency that conducts restaurant inspections in Montgomery County, where most food trucks in the region are based.

That review revealed some unsanitary conditions inside food trucks. One inspector used the word “filthy” twice to describe what she found inside one Dayton-based food truck that traveled on Warren County for a festival. And the results of that inspection, and others, are not easily accessible to diners, because unlike restaurant inspections of bricks-and-mortar restaurants in Montgomery County, food-truck inspections are not available for viewing online.

For the full, in-depth look at food truck health inspections, check out the story on MyDaytonDailyNews.com, or pick up a copy of Sunday’s Dayton Daily News.

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About the Author

Mark Fisher, a 1981 graduate of Ohio State University and a 1976 graduate of Beavercreek High School, is a third-generation Dayton-area resident who has worked for the Dayton Daily News since 1983. He covered higher education and K-12 education accountability issues for nearly 20 years before taking over the food and dining beat in 2006.