14 warnings issued to illegal food vendors over the weekend

SALT LAKE CITY— Police and health officials are cracking down on illegal food vendors in Salt Lake City.

The Salt Lake City Police Department and Salt Lake County Health Department issued over a dozen warnings to illegal vendors outside the Delta Center on Sunday.

Yaier Javid, public information officer with the SLCPD, said their main goal is to educate vendors rather  than remove them from the community.

“We conducted more like an education operation where we reminded street vendors that were selling food illegally … of the process. [Told vendors] how they can get in contact with the health department and get their permits and stuff going,” said Javid.

The police receive several calls a year complaining about vendors. Officer Javid said they are doing what they can to make sure the community remains healthy.

“Our main priority is making sure that they’re following the rules that are set by the health department,” he said. “Like washing your hands and making sure the food is set at the right temperatures.”

The SLCPD reports the health department issued 14 total warnings to vendors. Furthermore, police arrested one man on charges including failure to disclose identity.

Overall, the police department and county health department urge citizens to make smart decisions.

“If they’re buying something from a street vendor, just make sure they have a permit issued by the Salt Lake County or any county health department,” said Javid.

Other tips from the police department include:

• Check for current county health permits on a vendor’s vehicle, cart, or booth
• Be wary of individuals selling food or merchandise outside of known businesses
• Contact the SLCPD with any questions or suspect a business is engaged in illegal sales

Allessandra Harris–Gurr is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio.