CHARLOTTE — Illegal food vendors are raising health concerns in Charlotte’s nightlife scene, with Mecklenburg County Public Health citing 184 individuals for unlicensed vending since last year.
The health department has identified these vendors as a serious risk, noting that many operate without permits and are not subject to inspections that ensure safe food handling practices.
This year alone, 50 complaints have been filed regarding these vendors, who often sell food from trucks during late-night hours.
Raynard Washington, public health director for Mecklenburg County, highlighted the risks associated with these vendors, including foodborne illnesses and the transmission of diseases like Hepatitis A.
“Beyond the risk of foodborne illness, there’s also the risk of transmission of illness via the humans that are involved, like Hepatitis A,” Washington stated.
Max Fletcher, a local resident, expressed concern over the vendors, saying, “It’s hard to tell, like, what they’re using to cook with or, like, you know, if they’re even lost in their hands.”
Hayley Johnson, another resident, noted, “I have not even thought about the health risk behind it. So that is a great point. Actually, I just see it. I’m like, Oh, they’re selling food.”
Street food vendors are common in areas like Uptown and South End, but not all are operating legally. The county’s public health department has been actively citing vendors who lack the necessary permits.
These vendors often set up pop-up tents in parking lots, equipped with grills and cooking equipment, which raises concerns about the sanitary conditions under which the food is prepared.
The health department advises residents to check for a scorecard, which licensed vendors display, indicating they have been inspected and approved to sell food.
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