City, County shut down over 100 sidewalk vendors selling unsafe food in Santa Ana

Members of the public are asked to check their health permits when purchasing from street vendors.

SANTA ANA, Calif. – In response to community concerns, the City of Santa Ana and the Orange County Department of Health opened more than 100 sidewalk food vending machines that were found to sell food unfit for human consumption and to operate poorly. The vending machine was investigated and closed. Health permit for the last 6 weeks.

The city’s Department of Law Enforcement, affiliated with the Department of Health’s Environmental Health Division (EHD), conducted the operation, accompanied by staff from the Santa Ana Police Department.

Mayor Valerie Amedzqua said, “Enjoying meals from street vendors has become commonplace, but we cannot allow unsafe food conditions to endanger public health.” I applaud the efforts of county officials.”

Under the California Retail Food Code, certain food establishments, including food trucks and mobile food vendors, are required to obtain appropriate health permits and approvals from local public health agencies. As part of the joint enforcement effort, the sidewalk vendor did not have the proper license to operate and the food being sold and distributed was prepared and maintained outside the requirements of state standards, the Retail Food Code. It turned out that Food was not safe. Accordingly, EHD inspectors, assisted by city officials, seized the food as permitted by Health and Safety Code section 114393.

California law under SB 946 severely restricts local governments from fully regulating or banning sidewalk sales. City Code Enforcement and Orange County EHD staff will continue to conduct additional inspections to ensure you have the proper health clearances and are driving safely. In addition to working with the county, city staff will initiate revisions to the Santa Ana City Code to enhance the city’s ability to regulate, enforce, and address local issues related to this type of food sales .

When purchasing food from street vendors, the public is advised to ensure that health permits are displayed.