Unpermitted Food Businesses
What is an Unpermitted Food Business?
An unpermitted food business is an operation that prepares, handles, stores, distributes, or sells food to the public without obtaining the required permit(s) or approval(s) from the appropriate regulatory agency.
Operating without the required permits can create public health and safety concerns because the business may not have been evaluated for compliance with applicable requirements related to:
- Safe food preparation and handling
- Proper food storage and temperature control
- Food source and supplier requirements
- Employee hygiene and handwashing
- Facility sanitation
- Pest control
- Wastewater and waste disposal
- Construction and facility requirements
- Other applicable public health and environmental requirements
Why Permits Matter
Food permits are more than a piece of paper—they help ensure that food businesses are operating in a manner that protects customers and employees. The permitting and inspection process helps identify potential health and safety concerns before they become a problem. It also provides legitimate food businesses with guidance on how to meet applicable requirements.
What is the Unpermitted Food Task Force?
The Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources, in collaboration with local and regional partners, has established the Unpermitted Food Task Force to address food businesses operating without the required permits and approvals. The Task Force brings together representatives from participating agencies to identify unpermitted food operations, coordinate enforcement efforts, educate businesses and the community, and promote compliance with applicable health and safety requirements.
The Unpermitted Food Task Force was approved by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors to bring agencies and community partners together to address unpermitted food businesses more effectively.
Rather than agencies working independently, the Task Force provides a forum for participating agencies to:
- Share information and coordinate efforts
- Identify potential unpermitted food operations
- Coordinate inspections and follow-up activities
- Provide education and outreach
- Promote compliance with applicable regulations
- Address concerns that may cross jurisdictional boundaries
- Develop a consistent and coordinated approach to enforcement
What Happens When an Unpermitted Food Business is Identified?
When a potentially unpermitted food operation is identified, the appropriate regulatory agency may evaluate the operation and determine what permits or approvals are required.
Depending on the circumstances, the agency may:
- Contact the business or operator.
- Provide information regarding applicable permit requirements.
- Conduct an inspection or investigation.
- Identify violations or areas requiring correction.
- Provide an opportunity for the business to come into compliance when appropriate.
- Take additional enforcement action when necessary.
The specific process may vary depending on the type of food operation, location, and applicable regulations.
How Can I Report an Unpermitted Food Business?
If you are aware of a business or individual preparing or selling food to the public without the required permits, you can report your concern to the appropriate regulatory agency.
When submitting a concern, please provide as much information as possible, including:
- Business or vendor name, if known
- Location or address
- Type of food being prepared or sold
- Date(s) and approximate time(s) of operation
- How the food is being sold or distributed
- Website or social media information, if applicable
- Photos or other information that may assist with identifying the operation
To report a suspected unpermitted food business, please call Environmental Resources at (209) 525-6700 or submit a report through the StanConnect App.
To learn more about the StanConnect App.
For Food Businesses
If you are considering starting a food business, selling food from your home, operating a mobile food facility, catering, selling food at events, or otherwise providing food to the public, contact Environmental Resources before beginning operations to determine what permits and approvals may be required. Starting the permitting process early can help you understand the requirements and avoid delays, violations, or potential enforcement action.
To speak with Environmental Resources or schedule an appointment, please call (209) 525-6700.
Task Force Public Information
Stanislaus County is committed to transparency regarding the work of the Unpermitted Food Task Force. The Department of Environmental Resources will provide information regarding the Task Force's purpose, partnerships, and resources on this webpage as the initiative develops.
Task Force Documents & Information
- Board of Supervisors Meeting – Unpermitted Food Task Force Approval
- Watch the Board of Supervisors Meeting - Unpermitted Food Task Force Approval
Information About Specific Businesses
The Unpermitted Food Task Force is committed to transparency and to keeping the community informed about its efforts to address unpermitted food businesses. The Task Force's work may include education and outreach, regulatory inspections, investigations, coordination among participating agencies, and enforcement activities. This webpage provides general information about unpermitted food businesses, food safety requirements, the work of the Unpermitted Food Task Force, and resources available to businesses and community members.
Information regarding specific businesses, complaints, inspections, investigations, or enforcement actions may be subject to applicable confidentiality, privacy, public records, or other legal requirements. For this reason, the County may not publish information about individual businesses or ongoing investigations on this webpage.
The absence of information about a specific business on this webpage does not mean that the business is permitted or compliant, nor does the inclusion of information on this webpage necessarily indicate that a business has been found to be in violation of a law or regulation.
