Residents and visitors craving street food in Maricopa County might want to double-check where their food comes from. The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department announced a series of reports involving illnesses tied to unpermitted street vendors. Specifically, the consumption of "tacos al pastor" from these vendors has led to 17 unfortunate patrons suffering from diarrhea and vomiting.
Despite the complaints and food code violations observed, the implicated vendors have been less than cooperative, prompting the department to pursue legal action. Emphasizing the distinction, these unpermitted stands are typically found set up near sidewalks or in parking lots with temporary setups like pop-up tents, where meat is prepared on a vertical rotisserie called a "trompo". In the wake of these incidents, the MCESD has actively stepped up its public outreach to inform and safeguard the community on the risks of foodborne illnesses.
The risk rises when vendors operate without permits because such permits necessitate adherence to food safety practices, including proper food temperatures and handwashing. The safe food practices that come with the MCESD's permits are there to protect us and reduce the risk of these nasty bugs. Not all street food vendors should be tarred with the same brush, though, as the vast majority do follow safe food practices.
So, before you decide to indulge in that seemingly tempting taco from a street corner set up, check if they've got a permit displayed. If you suspect something fishy with a food operation or experience the misfortune of illness post your street food adventure, it's not a dead end. The MCESD is on hand to investigate your complaints and concerns, which you can submit online at Maricopa.gov/Enviro or by calling them at (602) 506-6616.
