County issues public warning about street vendors after reports of illnesses

After receiving complaints from consumers who have become ill, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department in Phoenix, AZ, has begun legal action against food vendors who are operating without proper permits.

Over the past several weeks, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department has received reports of 17 individuals experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after eating from a specific group of street vendors who do not have permits, according to a statement from the department.

The department has determined that direct public outreach is necessary to reduce the risk of foodborne illness to the public.

The vendors in question are generally set up near sidewalks and in parking lots promoting the sale of “tacos al pastor.” 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 rotisserie into the taco. If the trompo is set up outdoors with temporary equipment such as popup tents and folding tables, it is likely to be unpermitted and may have the potential to cause illness.

“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 department stated.

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

A graphic showing the MCESD permit and pictures of the type of operation associated with the complaints and illness reports can be found below.

Consumers with concerns about a food operation or who have become ill from eating at a food establishment or street vendor are encouraged to contact the department at 602-506-6616 or visit Maricopa.gov/Enviro to submit your complaint electronically.