Maricopa County Cracks Down on Unauthorized Food Vendors

Maricopa County is taking action against unauthorized food vendors. The Board of Supervisors has reported multiple instances of foodborne illnesses, prompting them to seize unsafe food items and hold certain vendors accountable.

Over the course of May, June, and July, authorities confiscated more than 7,000 pounds of hazardous meat, according to the county, which is home to Phoenix.

Robert Stratman, who assists with Maricopa County Environmental Services, clarified that this issue isn’t about mobile food units in general. “We have a mobile food program that includes thousands of permitted vendors who operate safely and effectively,” he mentioned. “This problem pertains specifically to a subset of unauthorized vendors that have come from California and other areas.”

Stratman described these vendors as part of an organized group that sets up pop-up stands, often selling popular items like Tacos Al Pastor. “They use a vertical spit for the pork, carving the meat and serving it in tacos,” he explained.

This trend emerged in Maricopa County last year, with complaints surfacing from other permitted vendors who raised concerns.

“We’ve also received reports of people getting sick,” Stratman added. “Last year, we documented common patterns in various cases. The rise in our efforts is particularly targeted at these minor vendors, who present a significant risk to public health.”

For additional information, residents can visit the Maricopa County environmental services website. It offers guidance for applications, ways to file complaints, and access to public records.

Stratman emphasized that public safety is a priority for Maricopa County. “We want to ensure that consumers do their homework. Look for permitted vendors and check their past inspection records,” he said. “By decreasing support for unauthorized vendors, we can limit their presence in the community.”