Though some still call them “roach coaches”, food trucks could soon be subject to the same letter grade system used to evaluate sanitation at brick and mortar restaurants.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote as early as next week on a plan that would establish a letter grading system for mobile food facilities, and impose other new regulations as well, such as semi-annual routine inspections and annual certification.

“Under the proposed grading program, the public can make informed choices based on the letter grade given to an MFF (mobile food facility) according to violations noted at the time of inspection,” a report from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health (DPH) said.

While food trucks are already subject to one annual inspection, many trucks do not follow regular routes, making it difficult for the DPH to track them. The new ordinance would also require food trucks to submit route information to the DPH.

Food trucks have long been a staple of Los Angeles. Until recently, however, most trucks served only Mexican food, often to workers at construction sites.

Food trucks, like the Salmon House, which services the Miracle Mile, may be held to the same letter grade standards as stationary restaurants if the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors votes it in early next week.

Last year saw an explosion of food trucks offering a wide array of culinary options, from Kogi’s Korean-fusion tacos and quesadillas to sushi and dim sum. Trucks, some with high-profile chefs, began parking outside office buildings at lunchtime, and in posh neighborhoods like Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice for dinner. A new customer base, conflicts with restaurants, and a higher profile followed.

The Southern California Mobile Food Vendors Association (SCMVA) represents many of the new-wave food trucks.

“Finally,” said SCMVA Vice President Matt Geller about the plan to give trucks letter grades. “We want everyone to know how clean these trucks are. Right now, we go through the same inspections as restaurants, but we don’t get the same seal of approval. This system will dispel a lot of the myths that the trucks aren’t regulated.”

However, Erin Glenn, executive director of the Asociación de Loncheros, which represents many traditional taco trucks, expressed more reservations about the new plan.

“I think it’s always a good thing to make sure food is being handled and prepared in a safe way,” Glenn said. “But truthfully, this could be such a challenge for our members, because of all the issues that could coincide with this enforcement. Our goal is to make sure that members who do not speak English have access to all the resources they need to comply with this program.”

The Board of Supervisors was scheduled to vote on the new ordinance on September 14, but Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, 2^nd District, requested to hold the vote until next week.