Which statement accurately describes temporary food establishment approvals?

• A. PMA must inspect and approve prior to start of operations
• B. PMA approval is not required for temporary food establishments
• C. Approvals are issued after the establishment has operated for a month
• D. A separate federal agency issues the permit

Answer: (B)

Temporary food establishments are overseen by local or state health departments, not a federal agency, and they do not require PMA approval. Before you operate, you typically must obtain a temporary permit from the local health department and pass an inspection that checks sanitation, temperature control, handwashing facilities, safe food sources, and proper waste handling. This approval is obtained prior to opening, not after a delay, and it comes from the local or state authority that licenses food events. Therefore, saying that PMA approval is not required correctly reflects who approves these setups and when approval occurs. The other statements imply a federal approval process, or approval after a delay, which isn’t how temporary food establishment permits work.