The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department is urging the public to avoid purchasing and consuming foods from unpermitted street vendors operating within Thurston County.
Over the past year, there have been multiple unpermitted street vendors closed by health inspectors for operating unsafely and without valid food permits. Not only do these businesses pose a public health threat, but they also impact the local economy, primarily the businesses that are regularly inspected and permitted to operate safely within the county.
Recent unpermitted operators of concern have been located next to the ARCO and Hobby Lobby parking lot at 402 Sleater Kinney Road SE in Lacey. These unpermitted street vendors have operated under multiple names, including Tacos Los Prohibidos and Tacos Gardenias.
Since August, the county Food and Environmental Services section has received multiple food safety complaints regarding these unpermitted food operators.
More than five site visits have been conducted by public health staff, resulting in immediate closures for health hazards related to food safety and operating without a valid food permit. These hazards included foods stored at room temperature for unknown periods of time, foods left unattended on the ground exposes to pests upon arrival, no cooking temperatures monitored with no thermometer present, no handwashing station present, unknown source of water for drinks while water was seen inside large garbage container adjacent to tent setup, and no food worker cards present for any of the food workers on site.
Street vending is allowed in Thurston County by applying for a mobile food unit permit and requesting a variance. The variance allows the use of a temporary-style setup, like using a pop-up shelter, temporary handwash station and coolers with ice, without being at an approved temporary event. Street vendors prepare their food in approved commercial kitchens.
Permitted street food vendors in Thurston County are listed below:
• Birrieria Los Primos — 6125 Pacific Ave. in Lacey
• Bulgogi Hustle — Location varies
• Citra Pizza — Location varies
• Hot Dogs San Jose — 728 Fourth Ave. in Olympia
• K&E Snacks and More — 9525 Highway 12 in Rochester
• Tacos La Chinita — 2319 Fourth Ave. in Olympia
All permitted vendors will have a Thurston County permit that must be posted in a visible location within their business area for the public to see, are inspected twice annually or more, and prepare their food in a commercially-licensed kitchen.
