Unlicensed food trucks, carts and stands have become more common in Multnomah County and across the nation.
These vendors do not handle food safely. Eating food from these vendors can make you sick.
We urge you to only buy food from businesses that display their county-approved health license.
Unlicensed food vendors are those that operate without a food license from Multnomah County Health Department.
They also unfairly compete with licensed food vendors who work to follow the rules, safely serve food and support the local economy.
You might see them around stadiums, events, busy highways and parking lots.
Examples of Unlicensed Food Vendors
- Red push-carts selling hotdogs
- Carts selling cut fruit, often with a rainbow-style umbrella
- Tables under a pop-up tent serving foods like tacos and BBQ
- Selling food directly out of a personal car or truck
What You Can Do
Look for a Health License
Licensed food vendors will always have their Multnomah County health license displayed. If you don’t see one, ask the vendor.
If you see a “License Required” sticker, this vendor is unlicensed and should be avoided.
Report a Problem
If you see an unlicensed food vendor, or someone selling food in unsafe conditions we want to know. Report food safety concerns»
Warn Others
Anyone can get food poisoning. These groups are at higher risk for developing severe illness:
- People aged 65 or older
- Children under the age of 5 years
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant people
Make sure friends and family know about the risks of eating food from unlicensed food businesses.
Why a License Matters
A food license is not just a piece of paper. Eating food from an unlicensed vendor could make you sick because they don’t handle food safely.
Unlicensed vendors often:
- Don’t have access to clean water
- Don’t have a way to wash their hands
- Don’t have ways to keep food safely hot and cold
- Don’t have a clean place to use the restroom
- Prepare food in unlicensed kitchens, at home or in an unknown location
- Work while they are sick
- Use unsafe heat sources that could cause fires or explosions
Through the licensing process, we make sure businesses handle food safely, undergo regular inspections and have proper food safety training.
What We’re Doing to Stop Unlicensed Vendors
- Follow up on every report of unlicensed food vendors
- Order unlicensed vendors to stop operating
- Educate vendors and give them information on how to get a license