Over the past several weeks, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) has received reports of 17 individuals experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after eating from a specific group of unpermitted street vendors. MCESD has contacted the operators regarding the allegations and food code violations noted during complaint inspections.
Due to the operators’ lack of cooperation in addressing and resolving this matter, the department has initiated legal action to address the unpermitted food stands. Additionally, MCESD has determined that direct public outreach is necessary to reduce the risk of foodborne illness to the public.
The vendors in question are generally set up near sidewalks and in parking lots promoting the sale of “tacos al pastor.” The “tacos al pastor” meat is set up on a vertical rotisserie called a “trompo” or spinning top. The meat is shaved directly from the rotisserie into the taco. If the trompo is set up outdoors with temporary equipment (i.e., popup tent, folding tables), it is likely to be unpermitted and may have the potential to cause illness.
MCESD says it is important to note that the businesses implicated in these illness reports should not be confused with the vast majority of street food vendors, including taco stands, that employ safe food practices.
MCESD believes the safest practice is to buy food from permitted vendors. Permits issued by MCESD require vendors to follow basic food safety practices, such as handwashing, maintaining proper food temperatures, and obtaining food from approved sources, which reduces the risk of foodborne illness.