Bernalillo County authorities recently shut down two pop-up food vendors and are now warning residents to be aware of unsafe mobile food vendors operating within the county.
County officials said they’ve seen an influx of temporary vendors at the intersection of Rio Bravo and Coors Boulevards and along Isleta Boulevard in the South Valley.
Pop-up vendors typically set up tents, tables, and other equipment at their chosen spots, county spokesperson Kristen Ferguson said.
After a recent inspection, the county’s Planning and Development Services Department reported that two vendors were operating without required permits and with unsafe and unsanitary conditions, including:
- No safe temperature controls for food
- No proper handwashing stations
- No cleaning or sanitizing of utensils
- Improper food storage and control
- Food from unknown food sources and limited traceability
- Limited knowledge of basic food safety practices
- Lack of clean and fresh water for sanitary purposes
There were no mobile food vendors at the intersections when City Desk ABQ visited Friday morning.
“It is not unheard of for a pop-up vendor to move somewhere else after they have been given notice that they need to vacate,” Ferguson said.
She said someone who continues to operate such an establishment after getting a notice to cease operations can be charged with a misdemeanor and face fines up to $300.
The department says those eyeing street vendors should keep an eye out for signs of a properly permitted food establishment, including:
- A posted “food establishment permit.”
- A posted “temporary food establishment permit” for temporary booths.
- A green “satisfactory” sticker posted at the entrance or order window.
- The establishment’s most recent food inspection report, available upon request.
To report a possible illegal food vendor, click here or call 505-314-0310.