by PHOENIX (AZFamily) – Health officials from Maricopa and Pima counties are warning consumers to avoid a cluster of sidewalk food stands that have sickened at least 20 people across the state.
The sellers appear to have come to Arizona from California and are not licensed to sell prepared meals in one of the state’s largest counties.
Andy Linton, director of the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department, says between 20 and 30 of these suppliers have set up shop throughout the Valley.
“Our biggest concern for us is that they are operating without adhering to basic food safety requirements,” Linton said.
Maricopa County investigators executed at least one search warrant after 17 people reported falling ill in July.
That number rose to 23 people soon after, but Linton says many people who become ill from eating bad or contaminated food don’t report it to health officials.
“When we’ve received 17 complaints, it’s usually a lot, but many more are getting sick in the community,” Linton said.
Maricopa County officials issued a cease and desist order, but they believe the vendors are selling food in the community.
Health officials in Pima County have seen them, too.
“We believe they are bringing the food from the Phoenix area to the Tucson area without any form of refrigeration. So the meat is just sitting there, wrapped in what looks like a garbage bag, in the back of a truck,” said Amanda Anderson, Pima County consumer health and food safety manager.
The vendors appear to use white vans with California license plates to transport the pop-up food stalls.
The food sales take place under canopy tents, with the al pastor meat in the open air.
“There is no hand washing facility. There are no bathrooms available. So these people may be contaminating food after using the toilet somewhere,” Anderson said.
Health officials from Maricopa and Pima counties say the unlicensed vendors drive white vans, have canopy tents and do not display required health department signs indicating the activities are licensed.
If a business displays a county environmental services placard, it means it is licensed and following best food safety practices.
If you have questions or complaints about a food vendor, please call Maricopa County Environmental Services at (602) 506-6616 or Maricopa.gov/Enviro.
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