Coconino County health officials are warning residents to use caution when purchasing food from street vendors after seeing an increase in unregulated food operations throughout the county.
Coconino County Health and Human Services Environmental Health says food purchased from an unlicensed vendor can carry a higher risk of foodborne illness because those operations have not been inspected to ensure they meet county food safety requirements.
Officials say unregulated vendors are commonly found near sidewalks, in parking lots and along roadways.
The county emphasized that the warning does not apply to the majority of street and mobile food vendors operating legally in Coconino County. Licensed mobile vendors undergo an approval and inspection process through Environmental Health and are required to display a county-issued sticker or permit.
Licensed vendors must follow food safety requirements that include proper handwashing, maintaining safe food temperatures and obtaining food from approved sources.
CCHHS is encouraging residents to ask questions before purchasing food and look for a valid county license or certificate.
Environmental Health inspectors regularly conduct inspections of food vendors throughout Coconino County, including during daytime and nighttime hours.
Anyone who has concerns about a food operation or becomes ill after eating at a restaurant or street vendor can contact Coconino County Environmental Health at 928-679-8760 or environmentalhealth@coconino.az.gov.
Additional information about food safety and permitting is available through the Coconino County Environmental Health website.
