The education and enforcement effort focused on vendors identified through 88 community complaints involving 37 distinct locations, alleging unpermitted operations and potential food safety concerns. Due to the influx of food vendors operating without the proper permits and the sheer number of complaints about these vendors consistently received, the Department has a full-time team dedicated to providing education to vendors regarding permitting requirements, safe food handling standards, proper sanitation practices, and enforcement for repeat offenders.
While most of the unpermitted food vendors encountered during the education and enforcement operation were first-time offenders, one vendor had previously received education as well as cease and desists on multiple occasions. The February 28, 2026 interaction marked the 23rd citation issued to this vendor since May 11, 2024. Due to repeated violations and failure to obtain the required health permit, further enforcement action was taken to impound the vendor’s equipment in accordance with the Kern County Ordinance Code. This is the second instance in which the vendor’s equipment has been impounded.
Below is a summary of the actions taken during the education and enforcement operation:
- 26 locations found with no unpermitted food vending activity at the time of the operation;
- 11 cease and desist orders issued to food vendors operating without the proper health permits;
- 10 moderate -risk citations issued, each with a monetary penalty in the amount of three times the associated permit fee for the operation, totaling $1,935 each;
- 1 low -risk citation issued, with a monetary penalty in the amount of three times the associated permit fee for the operation, totaling $510;
- Confiscated potentially hazardous food from 8 food vendors operating without the proper permits; and
- Impounded equipment used in the sale of food from one vendor found to be operating without the proper permits.
“Health permits are not simply paperwork. They ensure that food served to our community meets essential safety standards,” said Brynn Carrigan, Director of Kern County Public Health. “Our goal is always education and voluntary compliance first. However, when there is ongoing disregard for Public Health requirements, we must take appropriate enforcement action to protect our residents.”
- A valid health permit verifies that a food vendor has met requirements including:
- Proper food storage and temperature control
- Access to approved handwashing and sanitation facilities
- Safe food preparation and handling practices
- Routine inspection by Environmental Health professionals
Operating without a permit increases the risk of foodborne illness and undermines businesses that invest time and resources to comply with regulations. Kern County Public Health remains committed to working with vendors to achieve compliance and encourages all food operators to ensure they meet permitting and food safety requirements prior to operating.
For more information about food facility permitting requirements, food vendors can contact Kern County Public Health’s Environmental Health Division at 661-862-8740 or visit kernpublichealth.com.