AZ County Warning About Health Risk Of Unlicensed Food Vendors

Arizona has a cornucopia of delicious food options. The Mexican food selection in our state is the best I've ever eaten.

In Cochise County, delightful restaurants serve options inspired by the flavors of Sonora, Jalisco, and other choices. Pima County has a wide range of Asian flavors, from Thai to Vietnamese to Korean.

Maricopa County boasts the broadest complement of restaurant and flavor choices, with many countries and flavors represented. It would take ages before you ran out of flavor choices.

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While Cochise County has some great selections, as a more remote and rural part of the state, we are still, admittedly, limited. Food trucks and pop-up food vendors can help bridge the gap when looking for a unique dining option.

Most of these vendors are outstanding, but there are a few cautions if you're looking to try something new.

Cochise County Warns of Foodborne Illness from Unlicensed Food Stands

According to a recent press release from the Cochise County Environmental Health Team, residents and visitors must be cautious if they decide to buy food from a roadside stand, food truck, or a temporary vendor at an event.

READ: FDA Warning: Remove This Toxic Bevearge Now, Arizona 

It's important to check for an up-to-date food establishment license and be sure the vendor has completed food safety training before you make a purchase.

The press release states:

...Cochise County Environmental Health Team is reminding residents and visitors to exercise caution when purchasing food from roadside stands or temporary vendors at events. The team emphasizes the importance of checking for proper food establishment licenses before making any food purchases.

The Dangers of Unlicensed Food Vendors

Unlicensed food vendors may not fully understand or incorporate food safety practices, unless they've undergone food handling training.

A lack of understanding about cross-contamination, proper cooking methods, heating, food-storage temperatures, and other oversights could lead to various food-borne illnesses, like listeria, E. coli, and salmonella.

READ: Deadly Listeria Outbreak, Recall for Lunch Meat Sold in Arizona

The Environmental Health Team is responsible for issuing food establishment licenses in Cochise County.

The press release states, "[The health team] conduct[s] thorough inspections and ensure[s] the establishment follows the rules for proper food storage, hygiene, cooking temperatures, hot holding, and refrigeration to prevent the risk of illness to the public."

“Food safety is our top priority,” said Natalie Johnson, Environmental Health Director from Cochise County Health & Social Services (CCHSS). “We want to ensure that the public is aware of the importance of purchasing food from vendors who are properly permitted and follow safe food practices.”

If you're unsure if the vendor is licensed, move on and find somewhere else to eat. If you'd like to learn more about food safety and licensing requirements, check out the Cochise County Health & Social Services website or contact your local Health Department.

Sources: Cochise County Environmental Health Team | Cochise County Health & Social Services