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Tamara Chaikin serves up local food at Localista food truck in downtown Toronto, May 16, 2014.Deena Douara/The Globe and Mail

In the wake of a nearly-fatal food truck explosion in the United States, authorities in Toronto are assuring the public that street-food trucks are subject to strict safety standards.

A mother and daughter in Philadelphia suffered severe burns Tuesday when the propane tanks on their truck exploded in a fireball. Eleven others were sent to hospital.

Police say a "significant" propane tank leak created a vapour cloud that was ignited by cooking grills.

Officials in Toronto say there are 206 food trucks in the city and almost all of them use propane.

They say Toronto bylaws stipulate an operator with a propane heater must have an approved certificate to get a licence for the vehicle.

The certificate has to state the vehicle meets requirements for propane storage, handling and utilization.

Earlier this year, a committee approved regulations that could double food-truck operations in the city.

With files from The Associated Press

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