As Portland heads into one of the busiest event weekends of the summer, the Multnomah County Health Department urges the public to purchase food only from licensed food carts and restaurants.
Unlicensed vendors operate without inspections or permits, raising serious public health and safety concerns. County Health Department inspectors cannot verify how food is stored and prepared. These carts lack proper food handling equipment, handwashing facilities, clean water or refrigeration. They also pose a fire risk due to their fuel sources. People who unknowingly consume food from unlicensed vendors can potentially contract foodborne illness.
“We’re asking people this weekend to support your local licensed food vendors,” said Interim Environmental Health Director Jeff Martin. “That’s how we protect our thriving food cart industry and public health in Portland. Our focus is helping small businesses succeed.”
Since the summer of 2023, the Health Department has responded to a rise in unlicensed, makeshift red push carts across the city that sell hot dogs near event venues and bars, often operating on sidewalks or in the middle of closed roads. Many of the vendors of these carts are known to be transported to Portland from other areas.
“We can’t have people coming from out of town, disregarding County rules, and selling unsafe food that negatively impacts public health and the livelihoods of licensed food businesses,” Martin said.
Since last summer, the Health Department shut down four vans with out-of-state license plates dropping off vendors and their carts near Portland venues. And while six carts have been labeled as unlicensed, vendors have covered the Health Department’s “Unlicensed” sticker, misleading customers and continuing to sell food.
The Health Department always takes an education-first approach and has made numerous attempts to engage with these cart operators. Specifically, inspectors have talked to operators about the business permits they are required to have and how to obtain them. The County has provided translated materials and brought in inspectors who speak the primary languages of the vendors. Health jurisdictions in Washington and California have also reported near-identical issues with similar unlicensed hot dog vending operations.
“There is a legal way to operate a mobile hot dog stand: Obtain a temporary license from the Health Department,” said Martin. “We’ve tried working with these unlicensed vendors, but they have been unwilling to follow our guidance, which harms both licensed food vendors and the public.”
Licensed mobile food vendors will always have their County-approved health permit displayed. If you do not see one, do not hesitate to ask the vendor.
For information on obtaining a food license, please visit the County’s Inspections and Licensing page.
