The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department is taking legal action against a group of unpermitted street food vendors after a string of foodborne illnesses.
In a press release, the department said the vast majority of street food vendors practice safe food handling. But it said 17 people in Maricopa County have been sickened over the past few weeks after eating food from a few unpermitted vendors. The vendors were selling tacos al pastor in parking lots or on sidewalks. Violations included preparing meat without hand washing and storing meat without refrigeration.
“MCESD has contacted the operators regarding the allegations and food code violations noted during complaint inspections,” the press release said. “Due to the operators’ lack of cooperation in addressing and resolving this matter, the department has initiated legal action to address the non-permitted food stands.”
The department said if a vendor is preparing meat outdoors on a vertical rotisserie, or “trompo,” and is using temporary equipment like folding tables or pop-up tents, the vendor likely does not have a permit. Approved mobile food vendors should have a county-issued permit plate displayed.
