When you buy a meal, you shouldn’t have to worry about getting sick.
That’s where we come in!
Every food establishment in Pierce County must be permitted with us. We then stop by for regular surprise inspections to make sure they’re serving your food safely.
If they are, great! If not, we provide education for staff and may even escalate to fines or temporary closures.
It’s one of the many ways we protect and improve your health.
Recently, though, we’ve seen an increase in roadside vendors selling food without a permit. The food may look and taste delicious. But if vendors don’t follow safe food practices, you could get really sick.
That’s why we’ve begun taking extra steps to find roadside carts and stands in Pierce County operating without permits.
When we find one, we can issue a permit then and there if they meet requirements!
If not, we ask them to leave and throw away unsafe food. We also notify the public on our Food Establishment Closures webpage.
Permits and inspections ensure you get safe food
Food permits and inspections might not seem like a big deal. But foodborne illness can be bad news.
Even if you’re lucky and it’s relatively mild, foodborne illness can still lead to a few really-not-fun days. If you’re not so lucky, it can lead to lost wages, medical expenses, or serious illness. Just two years ago, a listeria outbreak right here in Pierce County led to three deaths and six hospitalizations.
That’s why we take our jobs—and the permits—so seriously. We inspect to see if vendors meet food safety permit requirements, like:
- Food is prepared in an approved kitchen.
- Permits require most food to be made in a commissary kitchen, not a home kitchen.
- Food is from approved sources and stored at safe temperatures.
- Adequate handwashing facilities.
- Access to a bathroom for employees.
If we find an unpermitted vendor, we can issue a permit then and there if they met requirements! If not, we ask them to leave and throw away unsafe food.
Visit our webpage to see examples of unpermitted vendors.
If you see a vendor who doesn’t have a permit, you can call (253) 649-1697 or submit a complaint online.
Who needs a permit?
Vendors need a permit to sell, sample, or even give away food to the public. A permit helps us make sure they store and prepare food safely, so customers don’t get sick.
Vendors need a permit for:
- Meat, eggs, fish, or dairy.
- Food you prepare, like burgers, soups, or tacos.
- Cut or prepared fruits or vegetables.
Vendors don’t need a permit for:
- Whole, uncut fruits or vegetables.
- Commercially packaged food that doesn’t need refrigeration.
One easy trick to find out if a vendor is permitted …
Wondering if a vendor has a permit with us? Just ask to see it!
If you see a vendor who doesn’t have a permit, you can call (253) 649-1697 or submit a complaint online.
We investigate all complaints. See the list of current unpermitted vendor closures.
And if you’re a vendor who wants to get started, we’re here to help! Learn more about permits and applications.