Selling street food It turns out to be an attractive option for many diners during the summer, especially on weekend nights when they often attend events or bars located in the Uptown area of the Queen City.
Many of these foods are sold from food trucks or street vendors. But when these vendors don’t have the proper permits to operate, they risk becoming a public health problem because they aren’t inspected.
Due to an increase in complaints about unlicensed street food sales, the Mecklenburg County Department of Public Health (MCPH) reported it is taking steps to prevent these illegal food sales.
184 complaints since 2024
Most of the complaints come from street vendors selling food between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. in Charlotte’s Uptown and South End areas, which are popular areas of the city with a wealth of nightlife.
Mecklenburg County spokesman Bell Myles told Enlace Latino NC, that since last year to date, 184 complaints have been received (140 in 2024 and 44 this year).
The Mecklenburg County Food and Facilities Sanitation Program licenses more than 4,400 food service establishments in the county and conducts more than 13 annual inspections to ensure the health and safety of restaurants, trucks and food stands.
Latin American vendors are also in the spotlight
Selling street food is very popular among the Hispanic community, which can usually be found at food trucks located throughout the city and county. It can also be found food stalls near areas of Latin influence.
Myles said that among unlicensed vendors, “complaints have been received or responded to from vendors selling a variety of foods, including Latin foods.”
Before consuming, see the health scorecard.
Health authorities urge diners to check the score on the inspection certificate for food businesses, not only street signs, but also restaurant signs, which must be visible to customers.
The MCPH warned of the potential health risks of consuming food from unlicensed businesses, as they are not inspected and therefore fail to comply with hygiene standards, such as proper handwashing, safe cooking and storage temperatures, and the use of sanitary equipment.
“We encourage all residents to check the Food Safety Scorecard before ordering to ensure the establishment has been inspected and meets minimum food safety standards,” said Chrystal Swinger, Director of Environmental Health.
An excellent score is 100%. Often, the minimum score to pass inspection can be between 70% and 80%, which is enough to obtain a permit.
Resources for entrepreneurs
>>If you are interested in opening your own mobile food truck business legally, check out this guide with resources to learn how to do it. How to start a food truck business in North Carolina
Unlicensed food vendors urged to be reported
Swinger cited that unlicensed food vendors pose a serious health risk from foodborne illnesses, which can be serious and even fatal.
“Our team is working to ensure these individuals stop selling food in these often dangerous conditions, but we need residents’ help to avoid these illegal vendors.”
You may be interested in: The Reinvention of Caja Solidaria and the Uncertain Future of Community Health in the Mountains of North Carolina
Where to file complaints
Residents can report unlicensed food vendors by calling 311.
I also know you can check the score of the health inspection of regulated food businesses, in the Inspection site Mecklenburg County Public Health.
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