Yavapai County Takes Action to Address Unpermitted Street Vendors

Published on September 23, 2024

Yavapai County Takes Action to Address Unpermitted Street Vendors  

For Immediate Release

YAVAPAI COUNTY, Arizona. – Over the past several weeks, Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) has received various reports of community members expressing concern over food being sold by unpermitted street vendors. The YCCHS Environmental Health Unit has contacted the operators regarding the allegations and food code violations noted during complaint inspections. Due to the operators’ lack of cooperation in addressing and resolving this matter, the department has initiated legal action to address the unpermitted food stands. In addition, YCCHS has determined that direct public outreach is necessary to reduce the risk of foodborne illness for the public.

The vendors in question are generally set up near sidewalks and in parking lots promoting the sale of “Frutas Frescas” or “Tacos al Pastor.” These fruit vendors operate without the required permits and often store their fruit in clear plastic containers with ice, bypassing essential food safety regulations. The fruit they sell is typically unwashed or inadequately rinsed, posing a health risk to consumers. Additionally, these vendors often lack handwashing stations, further compromising sanitation standards. The “Tacos al Pastor” meat is set up on a vertical rotisserie called a “trompo”or spinning top. The meat is shaved directly from the rotisseries into the taco. If the trompo is set up outdoors with temporary equipment (i.e., Pop-up tent, folding tables), it is likely to be unpermitted and may have the potential to cause illness. A Mobile Food Unit licensed by YCCHS will have a license sticker, as displayed, and attached to the back side of the unit.

It is important to note that the businesses implicated in these illness reports should not be confused with most street food vendors, including taco stands, that employ safe food practices.

YCCHS believes the safest practice is to buy food from permitted vendors. Permits issued by YCCHS require vendors to follow basic food safety practices, such as handwashing, maintaining proper food temperature, and obtaining food from approved sources, which reduces the risk of foodborne illness.

If you have concerns about a food operation or become ill from eating at a food establishment or street vendor, you are encouraged to contact the department at (928) 771-3122 or visit web.health@yavapaiaz.gov.

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