Kern County Public Health, in collaboration with the Kern County Sheriff's Office, conducted an education and enforcement operation on July 11, 2026 to address food vendors operating without the required public health permits in the areas of Lamont, Arvin, Mettler, and Fraizer Park.

The operation was initiated in response to 61 community complaints involving where unpermitted food vending and potential food safety risks had been reported. During the operation, inspectors focused on educating vendors about permitting requirements while taking enforcement action when necessary to help protect public health.

"Our goal is to ensure that everyone in Kern County has access to food that is prepared, handled and served safely," said Brynn Carrigan, Director of Kern County Public Health. "Education is always our first priority, but when vendors continue to operate without the required permits, enforcement becomes necessary to protect the health of our community and support vendors who are following food safety regulations.”

• The operation resulted in the following actions:
  5 cease and desist orders issued to food vendors operating without the proper health permits;
• 3 moderate risk citations issued, each with a monetary penalty in the amount of three times the associated permit fee for the operation, totaling $1,995 each;
• 1 low risk citations issued, with a monetary penalty in the amount of three times the associated permit fee for the operation, totaling $525 each;
• Confiscated potentially hazardous food from 3 food vendors operating without the proper permits; and
• Equipment used in the sale of food was impounded from 2 vendors operating at the intersection of SW Comanche Drive and State Route 223 in Arvin:
  • Quetza Tacos – Previously issued 6 cease and desist orders.
  • The Best Tacos – Previously issued 8 cease and desist orders.
• 14 locations found with no unpermitted food vending activity at the time of the operation.

For more information about food facility permitting requirements or for assistance with getting permitted, contact us at 661-862-8740 or visit kernpublichealth.com.

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