Everyone loves a good food truck. My personal idea is, the shadier, the better. However, this has not always boded well with my stomach. Here are some things I have started looking out for so every experience is a great one.
Food Handler License
This should be an easy one, but it's better to be safe than sorry. The rules and regulations are extensive, and often forgotten. These should be visible to anyone who is looking for it, and it should also be current. The permit is only given after extensive training on handwashing, proper sanitation, and cross-contamination, to name a few things. While you are in line, watch and see if they wash their hands. Are they washing utensils after they use them to cut meat? These are all easy things to do that stop people from getting sick, but are often neglected.
Cash or Credit
It's always a terrible experience to get to the front of the line and see that they only take cash. Check if they have a card reader, and if they do, make sure that it is a reputable brand. With an uptick in credit card skimming, check for any additional loose parts that might be storing your information. Any mobile payment is a safe alternative, but most food trucks are not able to accommodate that kind of purchasing.
Safety
Trust your gut. If you are walking to a truck and you start to feel uneasy, then you should probably leave. There is no reason to risk your wellbeing for a dollar hot dog. Be aware of your surroundings and make note of what you see. This way, if any problems arise, you will be able to make an accurate report. Attending events that have a lot of food trucks will typically guarantee that it is a good truck, and you most likely won't get sick.
There Will Always Be More
For every taco truck you turn down, there will be 100 more around the next corner. When looking for the ideal truck, your physical wellbeing should always be your number one priority. Don't settle for somewhere you know will make you sick just because it is nearby. You deserve better than that. Read reviews and see what other people have to say about it. Your body will thank you.
