County warns of food poisoning risk for unauthorized taco vendors

(The Center Square) – The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department is taking legal action against unauthorized street vendors over numerous food poisoning cases.

The county said Monday that 17 people have fallen ill with “diarrhea and vomiting” as a result of food from a “specific” set of vendors that do not have permits. In a news release, it’s warning against a set of vendors selling “tacos al pastor” that are outside with “temporary equipment.” The county has contacted the vendors but said legal action is happening because they are not taking the correct steps to solve the problem. In a graphic released by the department, it says to be weary of "trompo" meat held in trash bags or containers not at the proper temperature.

However, Maricopa County is emphasizing that it is a targeted issue.

“It is important to note that the businesses implicated in these illness reports should not be confused with the vast majority of street food vendors, including taco stands, that employ safe food practices,” the county stated, noting that a permit should be on display.

Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin suggested that the number is probably much higher of people getting sick.

“Countless more cases have not been reported. The County has contacted the operators regarding the alleged food code violations noted during inspections,” the supervisor added.

Street vendors are relatively popular in Arizona, as a wide variety of foods including tacos, tamales and fry bread are sold. However, many selling cottage foods are subject to basic health regulations in hopes to prevent food borne illness.

Authorized vendors, known as "mobile food vendors," in Maricopa County need to have a permit on display from the department that says it can legally operate and when the permit expires.