Pueblo, CO – The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment (PDPHE) is warning community members about the potential dangers of eating food from unlicensed food vendors.
“Illegal food vendors without a license haven’t been inspected or approved to sell food and may not follow essential food safety practices that ensure safe food handling,” said Lee LaJeunesse, lead environmental health specialist. “Inadequate hand washing and improperly storing foods can cause foodborne illness. You can do your part to avoid foodborne illness by making sure any restaurant, food truck, or street vendor you visit displays a license or sticker.”
PDPHE suggest potential customers look for, or request proof of, a valid license before placing an order. Additionally, unlicensed food vendors can negatively impact the success of establishments who follow the proper licensing process and ensure safe food handling steps are taking place.
Examples of a Colorado Retail Food License and Approved Mobile Food Retailer Sticker
“Being licensed means our inspectors are routinely visiting an establishment to check for cleanliness and that the business’s employees are following safe food handling practices,” continued LaJeunesse.
Example of an improper mobile food set up includes incorrect food storage and no hand-washing sink.
Example of a proper mobile food set up including a fully enclosed space, hand-washing sink, and proper heating and cooling areas.
“Our team of food safety experts is here to help food vendors be successful and protect the health of our community,” said LaJeunesse. “Only licensed mobile units and food vendors with a license identification badge are allowed to sell food.”
A full list of facility inspections and more information about food safety is available at thedishpueblo.com. For more information about foodborne illness, or the licensing process, visit pueblohealth.org.
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