MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — You may have seen the little taco stands popping up near businesses in the Valley. Valley officials are warning people to stay away from them.
Maricopa County officials announced Monday they are taking action against the unpermitted food stands after several customers reported experiencing vomiting and diarrhea.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: El condado Maricopa toma medidas contra vendedores de alimentos luego de que los clientes se quejaran de tener diarrea y vómito
Over the last few weeks, the county has received 17 reports from individuals who reported feeling sick after eating from a specific group of street vendors operating without a permit. Due to a lack of cooperation in addressing the concerns, the county is taking legal action to address the issue.
The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department said these vendors are typically set up in parking lots or on sidewalks and promote the sale of “tacos al pastor” meat, which is set up on a vertical rotisserie, which is their main concern.
"We're noticing they're holding it overnight and we suspect it's not being held in temperature control overnight and they're bringing it out the next day and adding more raw meat on top of it and then continuing to slice it off and serve it in the tacos," Andy Linton, interim director of Maricopa County Environmental Services Department, said. "That's a long time for it to be in the temperature danger zone."
This type of food preparation done outside under tents has the potential to cause illnesses, the department said.
"The fact their overall set up doesn't have any sanitation or equipment to support what they're doing, no handwashing equipment, they're keeping these foods in the temperature danger zone for a long time," Linton said.
County officials said the vast majority of street vendors employ safe food practices so it is best to patronize vendors who have the proper permits. Vendors must display their Maricopa County permit plate.
"The stands are very popular," Linton said. "Usually there's 20-30 people in line when we've gone to inspect. They're very active on social media so they have a big following, so we want people to know there are food safety concerns with this specific vendor."
Residents who have gotten sick from eating at a street vendor can contact the county at 602-506-6616.
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