PHOENIX — Maricopa County health officials are warning Valley residents about the dangers of eating food from unauthorized vendors following recently reported illnesses.
The Department of Environmental Services has received 17 reports in the past few weeks of adults experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after eating food from “a specific group of unlicensed street vendors.”
The authorities said they had contacted the stall operator about the allegations and food code violations found during the inspection, but “as the operator did not cooperate in addressing and resolving the issue, the authorities have initiated legal action against the unauthorised food stand.”
Authorities did not name the vendors involved in the lawsuit but did release the following information:
“The vendors in question typically set up shop near sidewalks or in parking lots and promote the sale of 'tacos al pastor.' The meat for 'tacos al pastor' is placed on a vertical, rotating roasting machine called a 'trompo,' or spinning top. The meat is scraped directly from the spinning top and made into tacos. If the trompo is set up outdoors using temporary equipment (e.g., pop-up tents, folding tables), it may not be permitted and may pose a risk of illness.”
The department urges the public to only eat food from licensed businesses that have a Maricopa County permit plate and a permit card, which requires the business to follow food safety and sanitation standards and obtain food from approved sources.
Maricopa County
Pinal County officials Warn the public “Regarding the increase in unauthorized food vendors across the county.”
Authorities said buying food from unlicensed vendors “poses a high risk of serious food poisoning due to unsanitary conditions and should be avoided.”
The county's public health department is reportedly partnering with other agencies to address the issue of unauthorized food vendors.
If you have concerns about a food operation in Maricopa County or have become ill after eating at a food establishment or food vendor, please call 602-506-6616 or Maricopa.gov/Enviro Submit your complaint electronically.
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to report an unlicensed business in Pinal County, please contact the Environmental Health Department at 520-866-6864.
