Fairfield Police Take Action Against Food Vendors: What You Need to Know!

This past weekend, the Fairfield Police Department began enforcing laws against unpermitted food vendors operating in the city. They issued at least 12 citations and handed out several warnings to small businesses.

The department shared on social media that their Code Enforcement Unit is focusing on educating vendors about safety standards. They aim to ensure that food is prepared and sold safely to protect public health while also supporting local businesses.

According to the police, none of the cited vendors were local to Solano County. Most came from Oakland or Sacramento. They noted that the vendors lacked proper refrigeration and stored meat in trash bags, raising significant health concerns.

The department expressed that operating without permits creates unfair competition for licensed businesses and poses serious health risks to the community.

Social media reactions were mixed, with nearly 400 comments on the department’s post. Many residents argued that these vendors were simply trying to make a living.

In response to criticism, the department pointed out that some vendors appeared to be organized by individuals from Sacramento without health permits or proper licensing. The department emphasized the importance of supporting legitimate businesses that prioritize safety and compliance.

Fairfield Mayor Cathrine Moy supported the department’s efforts, highlighting the poor conditions some food vendors operate in. She mentioned plans to strengthen laws around pop-up food sales to enhance public health and safety.

Unpermitted food vending has become a common topic in local meetings, including those of the Vacaville City Council and the Solano County Board of Supervisors. During a recent meeting, county staff discussed the need for better enforcement across the cities in Solano County.

James Bezek, Director of Resource Management, pointed out that the county’s role is limited since many violations occur within city limits. However, he stressed the importance of addressing food safety.

Tina Fowler, a member of the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, expressed frustration on behalf of legitimate business owners, who feel they are penalized for following the rules. She highlighted the potential revenue loss due to unpermitted vendors, mentioning a specific instance where $20,000 was reported to be made in just one weekend at a parking lot in Vallejo.

On Monday evening, the department shared another update, stating that six mobile food vendors had been reviewed and were compliant, thus no citations were issued.

The department reminded the community: “Eat Safe, Stay Healthy! Always buy from permitted vendors who follow health regulations. Look for visible health permits before taking that first bite!”