Orange County Officials Issue Warning Against Eating Food From Unlicensed Street Vendors
SANTA ANA (CBSLA) – Orange County health officials Friday issued a warning to residents about eating food from unlicensed street vendors.
The O.C. Heath Care Agency released a warning to residents that they could get foodborne illnesses if they eat at an unlicensed street vendor.
"Street food vending operated by food operators that do not possess a health permit pose a serious public health risk to residents and visitors in O.C.," the advisory read.
All mobile food facilities are required to obtain a health permit to operate. Those with the proper permit must display it on their vehicle or cart.
Alvaro Nunez, Assistant Director of Planning and Building in Santa Ana, is one of Orange County's code enforcement officers, who urges the public to make sure they pay close attention to the front windows of food trucks, where certification and permits that allow their operation will be displayed.
Those permits are only issued after safety inspections are done by licensed officials. The latest Health Department sticker is green.
"It's simple," he said, "It's a health issue."
He heads a staff of 17 officers throughout Santa Ana, who police the streets looking for illegal vendors. "It's not uncommon to hear that folks buy food on the streets, and sometimes because it's not well-kept or expired, or simply not cooked in a proper way, people do get sick," he said.
Doctor Francisco Mendoza, is well-aware of the safety concerns that could come from improperly stored and prepared food. "It's super important that the meats are stored properly, that everything is being washed properly, that there's no contamination in any of the vegetables," he told CBS reporters.
"It's really good that the Health Department comes through and checks that everything's alright," Mendoza continued.
Back in 2018, then California Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill to make it easier for sidewalk vendors to operate legally in the state. The new law allowed cities and counties to create permit programs for vendors, and limited when they can be criminally prosecuted.
Vendors are required to pay a certain amount of fees to obtain their permits, a small sum when it comes to operating business legally.
Ivan Campos operates a food truck in Santa Ana, and he paid his fees this year. However, he knows of several that haven't.
"I don't know why," he said, "The inspectors need to come and check what the problem is."
Anyone who believes they became ill from eating at an O.C. street vendor can call 714-433-6418.
