Support Permitted Vendors
Street vendors are an important part of our community, but eating food from an unpermitted vendor can put you and your family’s health at risk.
Know how to spot unsafe, unpermitted food:
- No handwashing on-site
- Poor hygiene
- No refrigeration to keep food cold
- Food cross-contamination
- Vermin and insects
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- Lack of food safety training
- Food from unknown sources
- No restrooms
- Food exposed and unprotected
- No decal or Health Permit
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Unsafe food can affect a person or an entire community, making them sick,
possibly resulting in loss of work, hospitalization, or death.
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Report Unpermitted Food Vending
Complete a Food Safety Complaint Form
Get Permitted
Getting permitted is easier than you think! The Environmental Health Division is here to partner with you in ensuring the safety of our community by improving food safety.
Curious about how to get permitted? Visit our Mobile Food Facilities resource page to learn more about this process and download an application. Environmental Health staff are also available to answer questions regarding the application process and discuss your options. Email us at EnvironmentalHealth@santacruzcountyca.gov or call 831-454-2022.
What can I sell without a Health Permit?
Street vendors can sell up 25 sq ft of shelf-stable packaged food or whole produce that has been purchased from a permitted food vendor or grower. The food must be purchased packaged, remain packaged, remain uncut, and be properly labeled (if applicable). Environmental Health can respond based on a consumer complaint. Other permits or licenses may be required. There may be limitations on where and for how long you can vend.