COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness. Consuming food from an unlicensed food vendor should be avoided.
CCHHS has noted an increase in unregulated food vendors throughout the County. These are generally set up near sidewalks, in parking lots and sometimes on the side of roadways. Unlicensed food vendors have not been inspected by CCHHS to ensure they meet approved food safety requirements.
It is important to note unlicensed vendors should not be confused with the vast majority of street and mobile food vendors that are licensed and employ safe food practices. Mobile vendors that have gone through the licensing process and have been approved by CCHHS Environmental Health must display a sticker or permit (shown below). CCHHS Environmental Health advises the public to be aware of unlicensed vendors, ask questions, use caution and look for a valid license/certificate.
Permits and licenses issued by CCHHS 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.
CCHHS Environmental Health staff conduct food vendor inspections regularly as a part of our local public health duties. Inspections are conducted day and night to protect the safety of the public.
If you have concerns about a food operation or become ill from eating at a food establishment or street vendor, please contact CCHHS Environmental Health at 928-679-8760 or environmentalhealth@coconino.az.gov. Visit our website at coconino.az.gov/EnvironmentalHealth for additional information.