June 24, 2026

Kern County Public Health, in partnership with the Kern County Sheriff's Office and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, conducted a coordinated education and enforcement operation on June 20, 2026 targeting food vendors operating without the proper health permits within Kern County.

The education and enforcement effort focused on vendors identified through 76 community complaints involving 39 distinct locations, alleging unpermitted operations and potential food safety concerns.
Below is a summary of the actions taken during the education and enforcement operation:

• 21 locations found with no unpermitted food vending activity at the time of the operation;
• 18 cease and desist orders issued to food vendors operating without the proper health permits;
•  4 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;
•  14 low risk citations issued, with a monetary penalty in the amount of three times the associated permit fee for the operation, totaling $510 each;
•  Confiscated potentially hazardous food from 11 food vendors operating without the proper permits; and
•  Impounded equipment used in the sale of food from Dylan’s Tacos found to be operating without the proper permits at the intersection of Allen Road and Rosedale Highway. This vendor has been issued a total of 11 cease and desist orders and citations, and this is the second impoundment of equipment for this vendor at this location.

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 us at 661-862-8740 or visit kernpublichealth.com.

Media Contact: Michelle Corson, Public Relations Officer, (661) 868-0288.