Phoenix (AZ Family) Maricopa County officials said more than a dozen recently reported illnesses have been linked to unauthorized street food vendors.

Over the past several weeks, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) has received reports of 17 individuals suffering from diarrhea and vomiting after eating food from a specific group of unlicensed street vendors.

County officials have contacted the vendor in question regarding the allegations and discovered food code violations during their inspection. They are currently planning further action.

“Due to the operator's failure to cooperate in addressing and resolving this issue, officials have initiated legal action to address the unlicensed food stand,” MCESD said in an emailed news release.

The department did not name the vendor, but county officials said the vendor typically sets up near sidewalks or in parking lots and sells “tacos al pastor.”

The meat is placed on a vertical, rotating roaster called a “trompo,” or spinning top, and cut directly into tacos. MCESD says trompos set up outdoors using temporary structures like tents, canopies or folding tables may not be permitted and may pose a risk of illness.

“It is important to note that the establishments involved in these illness reports should not be confused with the majority of street food vendors, including taco stands, that employ safe food hygiene practices,” MCESD said.

County officials are urging residents to only buy from vendors with permits issued by MCESD that require them to follow safety measures to reduce the risk of foodborne illness, such as maintaining proper food temperatures and obtaining food from approved sources.

Arizona's Family has reached out to the county for additional information on specific street vendors.

MCESD posted the images below to show examples of unauthorized setups, food violations and proper permits.

Arizona's Family has looked closely at the county's investigation into these businesses.

The county presented photos that showed the businesses mixing raw and cooked meat, not having on-site hand-washing stations and loading cooked meat into trash bags onto trailers. These violations just scratch the surface. “We estimate there are 20 to 30 businesses setting up shop throughout the valley on any given day,” said Andy Linton, interim director of the county's Environmental Services Department.

Authorities are trying to crack down on these vendors, but it's not easy. “They're mobile, so you'll see them on one corner, and the next day they'll be on another,” Linton said. Photos from the investigation show meat in garbage bags next to fruit and drinks near a gas tank.

“The thinking is that cooking will get rid of the bacteria, but that's not always the case. Meat can carry bacteria that are heat-resistant,” Linton said. The county is warning residents about dining at these unlicensed establishments.

They urge people to look for the proper permit, which should be posted in a visible location.

If they don't, you can always ask to see their license, and the county says dining at a licensed establishment reduces your risk of contracting foodborne illness.

“When we issue permits, we make sure they have the right equipment.”

Anyone with concerns about restaurants or vendors, including reporting illness, can contact MCESD at (602) 506-6616 or Maricopa.gov/Enviro.

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