Whatcom County warns of uptick in unsafe food vendors
As warmer weather brings more people outside and dining on the go, Whatcom County is warning residents of a rise in unsafe food vendors.
According to Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) staff, there have been several recent reports of unsafe food stands across the county. These vendors don’t have running water for handwashing, access to toilets or refrigeration. Some have refused to say where ingredients come from.
“Unpermitted food vendors pose a real risk to public health,” said Dr. Meghan Lelonek, WCHCS Co-Health Officer. “Ignoring safe food-handling rules can make people very sick, lead to hospital stays, and in rare cases, even cause death.”
WCHCS said eating food from unpermitted vendors increases the risk of foodborne illnesses like E. coli, norovirus, salmonella and listeria.
Signs of unpermitted food vendors
WCHCS cautions residents to be on the lookout for the following signs of unpermitted food vendors:
- Operating from folding tables directly on the ground or under pop-up tents
- Have food equipment that isn’t inside a food truck or trailer
- Work from the back of a van or pick-up truck
- Have no facilities for washing hands or cleaning utensils
- Have no refrigeration
- Do not have a valid copy of their Whatcom County Food Establishment Permit
Tent-based vendors are allowed at street fairs, farmers markets and other community events, with proper permits.
If you see an unpermitted food vendor, you can report the location to the health department online. For questions, contact Whatcom County’s Food Safety Team at 360-778-6000.