Temporary Food Facilities

Temporary Food Facility (TFF) Permits

A Temporary Food Facility (TFF) Permit is required for participating vendors at public events who are temporarily selling food or giving away for free. Any student or external vendor(s) must apply for a TFF permit to obtain approval by Environmental Health & Safety. Submitting an application does not automatically mean that you may proceed with your event. 

Clubs/Departments are allowed five (5) food sale events each term. Internal office potlucks and invitation only events are excluded from these requirements because they are considered private, not public events.

TFF applications must be submitted to EH&S two weeks (10 business days) prior to your event date. Late submissions will automatically be rejected. 

Follow the links provided below for our online forms to apply for a permit.

See EH&S TFF Guidelines for more information

Event Planning for Organizations and Clubs

TFF Permits


Apply for a permit and follow the food facility guidelines appropriate for your group:

"On-campus" groups are based at Cal Poly Pomona.

Apply for a temporary food facility permit:

  • Review the Cal Poly Pomona TFF Guidelines to obtain information on requirements for obtaining, preparing, and storing food before planning your event.

  • Complete and submit the online Cal Poly Pomona Department or Student Organizations Temporary Food Facility (TFF) Permit Application.

 

"Off-campus vendors" are businesses based off campus (restaurants, caterers, cottage food, food trucks).

Steps for applying for a temporary food facility permit:

  • Review the Vendor/Off-Campus Temporary Food Facility Permit Guidelines (PDF) before planning your campus event. 

  • Complete and submit the online Off-Campus/Commercial Temporary Food Facility Permit Application.
    • The applicant will need some basic food handling and equipment information from the caterer to answer each question appropriately.
    • Additionally, prepare to upload copies of the Caterer's Proof of Liability Insurance, Health Permit from a County jurisdiction (if applicable), etc.
  • Upon reviewing the application, EH&S may contact the applicant or event coordinator to address any additional concerns before final determination. 
  • EH&S will coordinate inspections of the food activity.

FAQ


The California Health and Safety Code Section 114381.2 states that if you are operating a food facility at a community/school event you are defined as a Temporary Food Facility (TFF). All food vendors in this category are required to apply, meet requirements, and obtain a TFF permit prior to selling or giving away food at an event. 

The Legislature finds and declares that the public health interest requires that there be statewide health and sanitation standards for food facilities to assure the people of this state, that the food provided to consumers is safe, unadulterated and honestly presented through adoption of science based standards. Regulations can be found in the California Retail Food Code (Cal Code).

No.

Food intended for public consumption may not be prepared in a home. All food must be obtained from approved sources. 

Note: A valid Cottage Food Operation is considered a food facility and may sell food as a vendor but must still obtain a TFF authorization.

All food sales, meetings, gatherings, etc. need to be entered into 25Live (collegenet.com). In 25Live, you can select from the specific places on campus that are reservable. Note: Additional information for planning an event can be found on the Bronco Leadership Center's website.

The State Fire Marshal (SFM) may have additional requirements regarding the use of cooking equipment and the set-up or construction of a food booth and may require a SFM permit.

Any outdoor setup that includes tents, shade sails, the usage of multiple tents or a single which sums up to 400 square feet or more, and stages require an SFM permit.

All outdoor event set up may be subject to additional State Fire Marshal review depending on the type of event and estimated attendance for the event. The agency having jurisdiction over campus is the Office of the State Fire Marshal not local agencies.

This is an additional permit that may be issued with the Special Events Permit at the discretion of Facilities Planning & Management Department and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

In this process, you must list the name of the company or vendor you are working with in 25Live.

Requires supporting documents from vendors

• Valid Flame-Resistant Certifications (tent/shade sails)

• Valid Structural Engineering Certification from California (tents over 400 square ft and stages)

• If a SFM permit needs to be issued, your event will be subjected to inspection by the State Fire Marshal during your event set up or the day of the event.

Timeline

• Submit an Event Support Form, Layout and Additional Supporting Documents at least one (1) month prior to your event date.

• If the required documents are not submitted in time, your event will need to be postponed or find other accommodations.

Yes, EH&S has two fully enclosed canopies and one sink to rent out. Please contact ehs@cpp.edu to see if the items are available on the date you want and to make the reservation.

The CPP student group is responsible for picking up and dropping off the items at the EH&S office (Building 81A) on the same day during the business hours of 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday (excluding holidays).

Resources

Quick Links