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Popular L.A. Food Trucks Will Soon Run Into Trouble When They Cross Into Orange County
Photo by foodforfel via the LAist Featured Photos pool
The Grilled Cheese Truck, Ludo Truck and Grill 'Em All are popular gourmet food trucks from Los Angeles that have gained a following in Orange County. But that could all change now that Orange County health inspectors are cracking down on these and other popular trucks.
The Los Angeles food trucks were granted temporary permits but those permits are set to expire, and now health inspectors are demanding the trucks come into compliance, according to the Orange County Register.
At issue is a regulation about the way that the chefs keep food cool. Food trucks are supposed to have mechanical refrigeration, which operates when the trucks are not running, as well as a 3-part compartment sink. Many trucks from L.A. use "plate refrigeration." The second method keeps the food at safe temperatures but it's illegal under new state codes.
L.A. allowed some trucks with plate refrigeration to be grandfathered, but Orange County health inspectors don't plan on doing the same thing. That could end up being a deal-breaker for L.A. trucks, who want to head south but don't want to overhaul their trucks.
"This is it. We're done," Michele Grant, chef/co-founder of the Grilled Cheese Truck, told the OC Register.
Grill 'Em All co-founder Matt Chernus told the Register that the O.C. Fair could be the last stop for the truck. Other trucks that could face trouble from health inspectors if they try to head south include the Greasy Wiener, Shrimp Pimp, Sweet E's Bake Shop, Two Dudes One Truck and White Rabbit.
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