Illegal Street Vendors in Maricopa County Sicken At Least 17 People, County Warns Public and Initiates Legal Action

Illegal street vendors in Maricopa County are responsible for at least 17 illnesses of food poisoning, says Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.

In response to uncooperative street vendors, the County determined that “public outreach is necessary to reduce the risk of foodborne illness to the public.”

A foodborne illness lawsuit may be coming to Maricopa County.

17 Reports of Foodborne Illness Linked to Illegal Street Vendors in Maricopa County

Maricopa County Environmental Health Services Department says that over the past several weeks, at least 17 reports of foodborne illness (diarrhea and vomiting) have been associated from eating food from a specific group of unpermitted street vendors.

These reports prompted an investigation that led to inspecting these food stands.

Unsafe Vendors Pose Threat to Public Health

Producing food for the public without appropriate safety measures can be dangerous. Or even deadly.

Appropriate food safety knowledge, proper temperature and holding times, handwashing protocols, and other safety practices are necessary to make safe food for public consumption.

Absence of even one of the criteria can be a recipe for disaster.

Legal Action Against Illegal Street Vendors in Maricopa County

County Environmental Health Services has attempted to work with these unnamed entities without success.

Following complaints about food code violations and illnesses associated with those businesses, the Department conducted site inspections. “Due to the operators’ lack of cooperation in addressing and resolving this matter, the Department has initiated legal action to address the unpermitted food stands.”

Environmental Health Services Describes Illegal Street Vendors

According to the Department, these illegal street vendors are generally set up near sidewalks and in parking lots. Those operators often promote the sale of “tacos al pastor.”

The meat is often set up on a vertical rotisserie, called a “trompo” or spinning top. Here, the meat is shaved directly onto the taco.

Illegal street vendors can be identified as having a trompo set up outdoors. Often with temporary equipment such as a pop-up tent and folding tables. These vendors may be the potential cause of these illnesses.

Not All Street Vendors Are Unpermitted or Unsafe

The Department acknowledges that not all street vendors are unpermitted or unsafe. In fact, the recent missive was designed to help consumers identify safer options for dining with street vendors. Including taco stands and similar food stalls.

“It is important to note that the businesses implicated in these illness reports should not be confused with the vast majority of street food vendors, including taco stands, that employ safe food practices,” says Maricopa County Environmental Services Department.

The Department explains that buying food from permitted vendors is a safer option.

“Permits issued by MCESD require vendors to follow basic food safety practices, such as handwashing, maintaining proper food temperatures, and obtaining food from approved sources, which reduces the risk of foodborne illness.”

Types of Foodborne Illness

Reports of foodborne illness symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting, could be caused by a variety of foodborne illnesses. Many with overlapping symptoms.

The most common sources of foodborne illness include E. coli, Campylobacter, Listeria, norovirus, and Salmonella.

E. coli

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli is most associated with raw or undercooked ground beef, raw (unpasteurized) milks and juice, raw vegetables, raw sprouts, and contaminated water.

Symptoms often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting that usually begins within three to four days of consuming contaminated food.

Around five to ten percent of people diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a type of life-threatening kidney problem known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Campylobacter

Campylobacter infections are most associated with raw or undercooked poultry, raw (unpasteurized milk, contaminated water, and pets (including cats and dogs).

Symptoms often include stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and fever that usually begins within two to five days of consuming contaminated food.

Listeria

Listeria infections, most commonly Listeria monocytogenes, are most associated with queso fresco and other soft cheeses, raw sprouts, melons, hot dogs, pâtés, deli meats, smoked fish, and raw (unpasteurized milk).

Symptoms often include fever and flu-like symptoms (such as muscle aches and fatigue), headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and seizures that begin within two weeks of consuming contaminated food. Infections during pregnancy can have serious consequences. Listeria infections may lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

Norovirus

Norovirus infections are most commonly associated with leafy greens, fresh fruits, shellfish (such as raw oysters), contaminated water, infected people, and touching surfaces that have the virus on them.

Symptoms often include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches that begins within 12 to 48 hours of consuming contaminated food.

Salmonella

Salmonella infections are most commonly associated with raw or undercooked chicken, turkey, and other meats, eggs, raw (unpasteurized) milks and juice, raw fruits and vegetables, many animals (including backyard poultry, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals).

Common symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, and vomiting that begins within six hours to six days of consuming contaminated food.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most people recover from foodborne illnesses on their own without medical intervention. Some people are not so lucky. Seek medical attention if symptoms worse or complication arise.

Call a doctor if you have:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Diarrhea lasting more than three days
• High fever (temperature over 102° F)
• Vomiting so much that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration
  • Reduced urination
  • Dry mouth and throat
  • Feeling dizzy upon standing
• Pregnant and have fever and other flu-like symptoms

Have You Become Sick from Eating Food from Illegal Street Vendors in Maricopa County?

Have you become sick from eating food from a street vendor in Maricopa County? You may have a legal case for financial compensation. We trust that the dishes prepared by food establishments are safe and free from adulterants.

When safety practices lapse, people get sick. Or worse. People die.

A food poisoning lawsuit is coming to Maricopa County. The Lange Law Firm, PLLC can help!

Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation.