WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) are reporting an increase in unsafe food vendors operating without valid permits in Whatcom County. These vendors frequently lack running water for handwashing, access to toilet facilities or refrigeration required to maintain safe food temperatures.
Consumption of food from unpermitted vendors increases the risk of illnesses including E. coli, Norovirus, Salmonella and Listeria. According to Dr. Meghan Lelonek, WCHCS Co-Health Officer, these illnesses can lead to hospitalization or death.
Permitted mobile vendors must operate from a food truck, food trailer or pushcart (for coffee and hot dog vendors) and are required to possess a valid copy of their Whatcom County Food Establishment Permit.
WCHCS says unpermitted vendors often exhibit the following characteristics:
- operating from folding tables set up on the ground
- operating under pop-up tents not associated with approved community events
- utilizing food equipment not contained within a truck or trailer
- operating from the rear of a van or pickup truck
- lack facilities for handwashing or cleaning utensils
- lack refrigeration for meats and prepared foods
WCHCS advises the public to ask to see a vendor’s food permit and to view food safety inspection reports online before making a purchase. Concerns regarding unpermitted food stands can be reported to the Food Safety team at 360-778-6000.
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