It’s special event season here in Fulton County! From community festivals and cultural celebrations to concerts, markets, sporting events, and large-scale international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Fulton County is expected to welcome millions of visitors and vendors throughout the year. With the increase in temporary food operations and street vending activity, Fulton County Environmental Health is committed to helping vendors and event organizers understand the permitting process and food safety requirements necessary to operate legally and safely within the county.
What Is a Temporary Food Event?
A temporary food event is typically a festival, fair, concert, market, community event, sporting event, cultural event, or pop-up food event where food vendors operate for a limited duration.
Under Georgia rules, a temporary food service establishment generally operates at the same location for no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration.
Thinking About Selling Food at a Festival, Pop-Up, Market, or Community Event?
Before setting up a tent, food booth, trailer, or food truck in Fulton County, it is important to understand that food vendors must comply with Georgia Department of Public Health food service rules and regulations.
Many people mistakenly believe they can simply set up in a parking lot, roadside location, gas station, or vacant property and begin selling food to the public. In most cases, food sales to the public require approval and permitting through the local health department. Operating without proper approval may result in closure of the operation and enforcement action.
Fulton County Environmental Health works to ensure food sold at temporary events is safe for the public and operated in accordance with Georgia food safety laws.
Important: Vendors Must Be Associated With an Approved Event
In Fulton County, temporary food vendors must generally operate as part of an organized temporary event coordinated through an event organizer or property owner.
This means:
· Vendors cannot independently set up food operations on roadsides, parking lots, sidewalks, or vacant properties without proper approvals.
· The event organizer is responsible for coordinating with Fulton County Environmental Health and submitting vendor information.
· Vendors must receive approval from health department before operating at the event.
· Unauthorized or unpermitted vendors may be required to leave the event site.
Do I Need a Permit?
In most cases — yes.
Temporary food vendors are typically required to:
· Submit a Temporary Food Service Vendor Application
· Provide menu and setup information
· Receive approval from Fulton County Environmental Health
· Obtain a permit prior to operating
· Pass required inspections
Applications should generally be submitted at least 30 days before the event.
Mobile Food Units / Food Trucks
If you operate a permitted mobile food service unit (food truck, trailer, or pushcart), different rules may apply.
Mobile food units permitted through the Georgia Department of Public Health may:
· Operate under their existing mobile food permit
· Require authorization to operate in additional counties
· Be required to provide a commissary/base of operations
· Still need approval from the event organizer and local jurisdiction
Even permitted food trucks must comply with event requirements, local ordinances, and health department regulations.
Temporary Food Event Do’s
DO:
· Work with an approved event organizer
· Submit applications early
· Provide complete menu and setup information
· Maintain proper hot and cold holding temperatures
· Have handwashing facilities available
· Protect food from contamination
· Display your permit and inspection report
· Use approved food sources
· Keep food preparation areas clean and sanitary
Temporary Food Event Don’ts
DON’T:
· Set up without approval from the health department
· Operate outside of an approved event without health department approval
· Sell home-prepared food
· Prepare food in unapproved locations
· Operate without proper handwashing and sanitization
· Block public access or create unsafe conditions
· Ignore temperature control requirements for food safety
Georgia regulations prohibit the sale or use of home-prepared foods in temporary food operations regulated by the health department.
Event Organizer Responsibilities
Event organizers play a major role in the permitting process.
Organizers are responsible for:
· Coordinating with Fulton County Environmental Health
· Submitting organizer applications
· Providing vendor lists
· Ensuring only approved vendors operate at the event
· Assisting with site logistics and vendor coordination
Organizers should contact Fulton County Environmental Health well in advance of the event date.
Common Misconceptions
“I only operate one day, so I don’t need a permit.”
Temporary food operations still require permitting and approval even for one-day events.
“I can set up anywhere if it’s private property.”
Health department approval, zoning approval, and event authorization may still be required.
“I have a tent and grill, so I can start selling.”
Temporary food operations must meet food safety and permitting requirements before operating. Approval will be needed from the health department
“I have a food truck permit, so I can vend anywhere.”
Mobile food units may still need event approval, county authorization, and compliance with local requirements.
Need More Information?
For questions regarding temporary food events, food trucks, permits, and special event food vending in Fulton County, please contact Fulton County Environmental Health.
Additional Georgia Department of Public Health resources are available here:
· Georgia DPH Food Service Program
· Georgia DPH Mobile Food Service FAQs
· Fulton County Environmental Health Food Service Program
For more information, email the Fulton County Environmental Health Department at FCBOH.EnvHealth@dph.ga.gov.