Around the country, many cities both big and small are known for their vibrant food truck offerings, providing diverse cuisines at concerts, festivals, and sporting events. However, to ensure food safety, mobile food vendors must follow the same rules as traditional brick and mortar restaurants.
A number of cities have seen a recent increase in unpermitted mobile food vendors. Local health departments often advise residents to avoid these vendors to protect themselves from possible foodborne illnesses and to support vendors who follow proper food safety practices.
A particular concern has arisen in several cities regarding unpermitted vendors using makeshift push carts to sell hot dogs and other food near stadiums, music venues, and in busy neighborhoods. Despite repeated attempts by food inspectors to address unsafe operations and guide these vendors through the permitting process, some continue to operate without proper safety measures.
Unpermitted food vendors, particularly those using makeshift carts, pose several food safety risks:
- Lack of proper handwashing facilities
- Absence of clean water supply
- Inadequate refrigeration for perishable items
- Potential cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
- Improper cooking temperatures
- Lack of proper food handling training
Consequently, food from these unlicensed vendors may pose a significant risk leading to the growth and spread of harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses for consumers.
Most cities and counties provides several ways for consumers to identify permitted mobile food vendors:
- Health Department Sticker: Permitted vendors typically must display a sticker with the local health departmentlogo and the current year.
- Mobile Food Business Permit: Vendors should be able to show their permit upon request.
- Online Database: The public can search a database to verify if a vendor is permitted.
- Food Business Closures: Local governments often maintain web pages listing recent food business closures, which consumers can check or subscribe to for updates.
Consumers are also encouraged to avoid “pop-up” tents that appear in unexpected locations, such as storefronts not typically associated with food sales. These operations often lack proper permits and necessary sanitation equipment.
If a member of the public suspects a food vendor is not following proper health protocols, they can submit a question, comment, or complaint for investigation by the local health department.
The permitting process ensures that food businesses adhere to safe food handling practices, which helps prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses-causing pathogens such as E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. Unpermitted vendors have not undergone regular health inspections or training, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses, some of which can be fatal.
While anyone can contract a foodborne illness, certain groups are at higher risk of severe complications, including children under 5, pregnant women, seniors, and those with compromised immune systems.
The primary goal of local public health departments is to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. When alerted to an unpermitted vendor, health officials visit the site to educate the vendor about the permitting process and suspend operations to mitigate health risks.
Fortunately, many modern health departments serve not just as enforcers, but also as an experienced resource to assist vendors in obtaining permits by:
- Providing resources and information
- Offering guidance and coaching
- Providing interpretation services in multiple languages
- Reducing financial barriers
- Establishing mobile food vendor advisory groups
Mobile food vendors play a significant role in local communities, offering diverse culinary options and contributing to the local economy. However, unpermitted vendors can create unfair competition for those who invest time and resources in obtaining proper permits and following safety regulations.
By choosing permitted vendors, consumers not only protect their health but also support businesses that contribute to the local tax base and adhere to labor laws and food safety standards.
While food trucks offer exciting culinary experiences, it’s crucial for consumers to prioritize their health by choosing permitted vendors. Local public health departments play their role by working towards ensuring safe food practices across all mobile food operations, supporting both vendors and consumers in maintaining a thriving and safe street food culture.
Commenting on this article, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “Most local health departments desire to help vendors succeed but they must also ensure public safety at the same time. By balancing these goals, we benefit as consumers with more diverse and safe street food options.”
