PRESS RELEASE

The Yolo County Environmental Health Division is reminding residents to purchase food from permitted food facilities and to avoid buying food from unpermitted street food vendors. Consuming food from unpermitted food operators can increase the risk of foodborne illness, including vomiting, diarrhea, and other serious symptoms.

Permitted food facilities including restaurants, markets, and mobile food trucks and carts are inspected and regulated by the Environmental Health Division to ensure safe food handling, proper sanitation, and employee hygiene. These facilities are required to display a valid health permit. Fixed food facilities and food trucks also display a color-coded placard at their entrance indicating their inspection status. Placards are green (PASS), yellow (CONDITIONAL) or red (CLOSED). Permitted food trucks and push carts display a permit sticker.

Unpermitted street food operations are not inspected or regulated by Environmental Health. Examples include grocery carts used as makeshift food stands and pop-up tables or tents set up in parking lots. These operations cannot be permitted due to the lack of required handwashing and restroom facilities and because foods may be prepared or stored in unsanitary conditions.

Selling most types of homemade food is not allowed in Yolo County without a valid permit. Unpermitted food sales can put the public at risk and create unfair business practices for permitted operators. Vendors operating without a health permit may face fines, penalties, and possible prosecution.

For more information about Yolo County Environmental Health’s food safety programs, how to obtain a food facility permit, or to file a complaint, please contact (530) 666-8646 or visit www.YoloCounty.gov/Environmental-Health.