LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy  Xochitl Mora,

 Laredo, TX – – The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) would like to remind the public that illegal food vending is a threat to one’s health.

 As we get closer to the holiday season illegal food vending also increases and we want to warn the public not to buy from illegal vendors. In particular we have gotten numerous reports on illegal vendors in the downtown area, around schools, at local businesses, private and financial institutions as well civic organizations. It is illegal to sell and purchase from non-permitted vendors. 

 Great strides have been made to reduce the risk of foodborne disease through strong public health laws, food permitting, food establishment training certification and inspection. However if the public continues to purchase from illegal vendors they run the risk of serious foodborne illness. Therefore we want to inform all businesses that we will enhance inspections and will be citing both the vendor and the business owners as we need to protect everyone’s health to prevent serious foodborne disease.

 We urge the public to refrain from buying any product from any unauthorized vendor (does not have a permit in clear view; mobile vendors must have a sticker on the windshield or cart and every mobile vendor must wear a CLHD issued picture identification) or from eating at any unauthorized food establishment (does not have all appropriate permits for both the employees and the manager).  Remember:     

• Only eat at approved permitted and licensed restaurants (ask the owner for proof of permits).
• Only buy food from establishments with a proper food license.
• Street vendors should have a permit sticker on their windshield or cart (City Sticker).
• Persons with street vending carts and/or motorized vehicles must wear and display at all times a valid current street vendor picture ID issued by the CLHD. 
• Beware of any commercial business or private vendor that offers food and is not licensed and/or handles food inappropriately.
• It is illegal to sell food from cars, homes, ice chest or at a place of employment
• All special events (fund raisers, parades, festivals etc.) must have a temporary permit.