Health officials cite food safety concerns as enforcement increases along major corridors
Ventura police and county health officials have stepped up enforcement against unpermitted street food vendors and pop-up kitchens operating along busy corridors, including Ventura Avenue.
The effort comes amid concerns about food safety, permit compliance and competition with licensed restaurants and food truck operators.
The Ventura County Environmental Health Division warns that unpermitted food operations may lack essential safety measures, including adequate refrigeration, handwashing facilities and proper temperature controls. Without these safeguards, food can become contaminated or spoil, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
California law provides a framework for permitting and regulating street food vendors, including provisions under SB 972. Vendors must meet applicable health and safety requirements, obtain the necessary permits and display required county identification when applicable. County officials have reported that relatively few vendors have registered.
The issue has also drawn concern from brick-and-mortar restaurants and permitted food truck operators, who say unregulated vendors can create unfair competition. Licensed businesses must cover operating expenses, taxes, permits and health inspection fees while complying with established food safety standards.
Consumers can help identify permitted mobile food vendors by looking for a current Ventura County identifying sticker and checking that the operation meets applicable health requirements.
To report a suspected unpermitted food operation or a possible foodborne illness, contact Ventura County Environmental Health at 805-654-2813 or use the county’s Environmental Health online reporting portal. Residents are encouraged to report concerns to county officials rather than confront vendors directly. https://eco.vcrma.org/#/subm1/1
