Central District Health warns against unlicensed food vendors in Treasure Valley

Boise, ID (CBS2) — Central District Health (CDH) has issued a warning to consumers in the Treasure Valley about the risks associated with purchasing food from unlicensed vendors advertising on social media. The health department has received multiple food poisoning complaints linked to these vendors, who often operate “underground” restaurants out of residential kitchens.

“There are multiple risk factors in buying from unlicensed and unregulated vendors, but the most serious is the risk of foodborne illness,” said Natasha Ferney, Environmental Health Program Manager. “These vendors may not have a sanitary kitchen that meets provisions of the Idaho Food Code or know how to properly store or handle food to help prevent growth of disease-causing bacteria.”

Ferney explained that foods requiring proper refrigeration and storage to prevent foodborne illnesses are known as temperature-controlled for safety (TCS) foods. These include dairy products, eggs, proteins like hamburgers and fish, cooked rice, beans, pasta, custard desserts, and cut fruits and vegetables.

“The Idaho Food Code allows vendors approved to operate under the Cottage Food rule to sell non-TCS foods directly to consumers without a license,” Ferney said. “But we are seeing a steady increase in unlicensed ‘underground’ restaurants and unregulated vendors selling TCS foods without proper permits and approvals.”

CDH’s environmental health specialists work with various food service providers to ensure that public health is prioritized. They conduct extensive inspections and provide education and guidance to prevent foodborne illnesses.

“Our inspections are extensive and begin before the business opens its doors and continue throughout the entirety of the business’s operation,” Ferney said. “Our specialists conduct plan reviews before permitting the facility and provide education and training to food service operators, managers, and employees every step on regulations needed to prevent foodborne illness.”

Ferney emphasized that the goal of CDH’s food safety program is to protect the public from foodborne illnesses and help businesses succeed. “We want to educate and thus prevent illness in the community,” she said.

For those interested in obtaining a food service permit or with questions about food service operations, CDH provides guidance and forms online, along with the ability to submit food poisoning reports and view food establishment inspection records.