Maricopa County Intensifies Crackdown on Unpermitted Mobile Food Vendors
In response to a growing concern over foodborne illnesses, Maricopa County authorities have intensified their efforts against unpermitted mobile street food vendors. Over recent months, numerous reports have linked these vendors to health issues, prompting the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to instruct the Environmental Services Department to take decisive actions, including confiscation of unsafe meat and shutting down unlicensed operations.
The efforts over May, June, and July have seen the Environmental Services Department address 111 complaints and conduct 55 food seizures, resulting in the confiscation of over 7,000 pounds of unsafe meat. This follows earlier attempts to educate the vendors about safe practices.
The focus is on vendors selling “tacos al pastor,” often set up in temporary spots like sidewalks and parking lots. These vendors use a “trompo” or spinning top, to cook the meat vertically, shaving it directly into the tacos. When such setups are outdoors and unpermitted, they may pose health risks.
It’s crucial to distinguish these problematic operators from the majority of street food vendors, who adhere to safe food handling practices.
Consumers are advised to patronize vendors with permits from the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. These permits ensure compliance with essential food safety measures, such as handwashing, maintaining proper temperatures, and sourcing food from approved suppliers, thereby minimizing the risk of illnesses. Concerned individuals can report issues or illnesses related to street food by contacting the department at (602) 506-6616 or visiting Maricopa.gov/Enviro.
For insights into the licensing process, hear from a successful Maricopa County business owner: Link.
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