The Pima County Health Department (PCHD) is currently clamping down on numerous unlicensed food vendors, citing unsanitary conditions and the absence of proper permits. As indicated by health officials, these vendors have neglected to apply for permits and overlook the basics of safe food handling, which has resulted in seven reported incidents of foodborne illness traced back to food from such vendors.
Working together with the Tucson Police Department, PCHD's Consumer Health and Food Safety (CHFS) Division has begun to aggressively pursue and shut down these operations. In one recent enforcement action described by PCHD, they have "issued 1 notice of violation to 1 unpermitted vendor" at a well-known intersection, as stated by Pima County. This particular vendor failed to provide a handwashing sink, proper temperature controls for their food, or adequately covered and refrigerated food storage — all of which are essential practices to ensure food safety.
Investigations have painted a picture of an eerily consistent modus operandi among these rogue operators: the use of white box trucks with temporary plates, no permanent business names, and makeshift sinks made from trashcans, as per Pima County. These trucks have been spotted at multiple locations throughout the county, including various intersections along Valencia Road and other busy thoroughfares.
To verify the legitimacy of a food establishment, consumers are advised to look for a current operating permit issued by PCHD or to check the vendor’s status online at the PCHD Consumer Health and Food Safety website, according to Pima County.
