Unpermitted food vendors are people who are selling food on a cart, table, back of the car trunk, via social media, or from their home without a permit to operate from the Thurston County Public Health & Social Services - Environmental Health Division. The Washington State Retail Food Code requires that all individuals who provide food to the public obtain a permit to operate.​​

When you buy meals online, you gamble with your health and safety. Unpermitted food vendors typically use kitchens that have not been inspected and consumers don’t know if the vendor is following standard food safety practices. These standards protect everyone from foodborne illnesses like norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli. 

Common issues in food preparation that increase the risk of foodborne illness includes:

• Improper food storage which can cause spoilage or contamination.
• Food kept at temperatures that can allow for bacteria and other organisms to grow and cause illness.
• Food can be reused, improperly cooled and reheated multiple times.
• Food preparers may not have access to a handwashing station or restroom and may resume food preparation without washing their hands.
• Poor sanitation due to garbage, debris and discarded food accumulating on food preparation surfaces or ground.