DOH warns against unlicensed food vendors

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The state Department of Health is cautioning residents not to purchase food from roadside vendors if they don't have food permits.

In Maui County, the department is aware of vendors selling food without permits, said Herbert Matsubayashi, chief of the Maui District Environmental Health Program. He did not have specific information on the number of unpermitted vendors or the extent of the problem on Maui, Molokai or Lanai.

Matsubayashi also said he had no reports of anyone getting sick specifically from food purchased from unpermitted roadside vendors in Maui County. He indicated that problem areas for unpermitted food vendors include along Kahului Beach Road and the road to Hana.

Licensed fishermen who sell fish whole are not required to get permits, he said, but those who cut or fillet a fish would need a permit.

The Health Department said there is a potential food safety concern with unlicensed mobile or temporary businesses. Legal vendors, who are required to show their permits upon request or have them posted in their vehicle, need to comply with safe food handling and preparation rules.

"The department has recently seen an increase in complaints from the public about unlicensed roadside food vendors," said Rex Mitsunaga, the Health Department's Sanitation Branch chief. "Unlicensed vendors raise concerns about whether food being sold is properly handled and prepared, whether proper temperatures are being maintained to prevent spoilage and the source of meat and other raw products used."

The department urged people to report any food vendor suspected of operating without a permit or using unsafe practices. The department will order violators to stop and will work with those willing to comply with food safety regulations and obtain permits, officials said.

For information, call 984-8230 on Maui and Lanai and 553-3208 on Molokai.