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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 21, 2024)
Page 4 August 21, 2024 Health Department Urges Public to Avoid Unlicensed Food Carts Unsafe Food Practices at Unlicensed Food Carts Pose a Risk of Food Borne Illness As Portland heads into one of the busiest event weekends of the summer, the Multnomah County Health Department urg- es the public to purchase food only from licensed food carts and restaurants. Unlicensed vendors operate without inspections or permits, raising serious public health and safety concerns. County Health Department inspectors cannot verify how food is stored and prepared. These carts lack proper food handling equipment, hand washing facilities, clean water or refrigeration. They also pose a fire risk due to their fuel sourc- es. People who unknowingly consume food from unlicensed vendors can potentially contract food borne illness. “We’re asking people this weekend to support your local photo of the unlicensed food carts, a food vendor license and a copy of the sticker that gets placed on an unlicensed food cart. licensed food vendors,” said In- terim Environmental Health Di- rector Jeff Martin. “That’s how we protect our thriving food cart industry and public health in Portland. Our focus is helping small businesses succeed.” Since the summer of 2023, the Health Department has responded to a rise in unlicensed, makeshift red push carts across the city that sell hot dogs near event venues and bars, often operating on sidewalks or in the middle of closed roads. Many of the vendors of these carts are known to be transported to Portland from other areas. “We can’t have people com- ing from out of town, disregard- ing County rules, and selling un- safe food that negatively impacts public health and the livelihoods of licensed food businesses,” Martin said. Since last summer, the Health Department shut down four vans with out-of-state license plates dropping off vendors and their carts near Portland venues. And while six carts have been labeled as unlicensed, vendors have cov- ered the Health Department’s “Unlicensed” sticker, mislead- ing customers and continuing to sell food. The Health Department al- ways takes an education-first ap- proach and has made numerous attempts to engage with these cart operators. Specifically, in- spectors have talked to operators about the business permits they are required to have and how to obtain them. The County has provided translated materials and brought in inspectors who speak the primary languages of the vendors. Health jurisdictions in Washington and California have also reported near-identical issues with similar unlicensed hot dog vending operations. “There is a legal way to oper- ate a mobile hot dog stand: Ob- tain a temporary license from the Health Department,” said Mar- tin. “We’ve tried working with these unlicensed vendors, but they have been unwilling to fol- low our guidance, which harms both licensed food vendors and the public.” Licensed mobile food vendors will always have their Coun- ty-approved health permit dis- played. If you do not see one, do not hesitate to ask the vendor. Health care resources for you Get help with appointments, getting coverage, mobile showers and more AUGUST 22 Mobile Showers 12-2 p.m. 247 SE 82nd Ave, Portland 1:30-3:30 p.m. 18 NE 11th Ave, Portland AUGUST 23 IRCO SEPTEMBER 5 Mobile Showers 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 10301 NE Glisan St, Portland AUGUST 27 Blanchet House 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 310 NW Glisan St, Portland Family Promise of Tualatin Valley 1-3 p.m. 11460 SW Pacific Hwy, Portland Union Gospel Mission 2-3 p.m. 3 NW 3rd Ave, Portland SEPTEMBER 2 Doreen’s Place (for residents only) 9-11 a.m. 610 NW Broadway St, Portland Mobile Showers 10-11:30 a.m. 4244 SE 91st Ave, Portland careoregon.org/connect-to-care SEPTEMBER 3 Jean’s Place (for residents only) 12-2 p.m. 247 SE 82nd Ave, Portland SEPTEMBER 10 Blanchet House 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 310 NW Glisan St, Portland Union Gospel Mission 2-3 p.m. 3 NW 3rd Ave, Portland SEPTEMBER 11 Rosewood Initiative 12-3 p.m. 14127 SE Stark St, Portland SEPTEMBER 16 Doreen’s Place (for residents only) Mobile Showers 10-11:30 a.m. 4244 SE 91st Ave, Portland SEPTEMBER 17 P:ear (for youth only) 9-11 a.m. 338 NW 6th Ave, Portland SEPTEMBER 19 Mobile Showers 12-2 p.m. 247 SE 82nd Ave, Portland SEPTEMBER 24 Blanchet House 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 310 NW Glisan St, Portland Family Promise of Tualatin Valley 1-3 p.m. 11460 SW Pacific Hwy, Portland Union Gospel Mission 2-3 p.m. 3 NW 3rd Ave, Portland 9-11 a.m. 610 NW Broadway St, Portland connect to care
