Concern over illegal Tri-Cities food stands prompts town hall
Unlicensed food vendors are popping up faster than they can shut them down, and Tri-Cities health inspectors often close the same unpermitted vendors over and over.
They have been reported in spots around the Tri-Cities, Prosser, Benton City and near the Benton and Grant county line near Vernita, north of the Hanford site, with some pop-ups in grocery store, gas station or other parking lots.
Others have been reported in Yakima, Walla Walla, Spokane, Seattle/King County and Tacoma/Pierce County, Clark County, Snohomish and Thurston counties.
The Washington state Department of Health and Benton Franklin Health District will host a public health town hall to discuss unlicensed mobile food vendors and their impact on community safety, fair business operations, and public safety,” according to a news release.
The town hall is set for Monday, Nov. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Pasco High School in the auditorium, 1108 N. 10th Ave.
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Why it matters
Across the state these unlicensed vendors appear to be connected or organized with similar menus, possibly with common ownership, said the health district.
Health inspectors have found the same consistent food safety hazards at the stands. Workers have no water available for handwashing or washing produce, do not wear gloves, serve undercooked meats and have no refrigeration.
No measures are taken to keep cold food cold, such as using ice in coolers with meat, that are unloaded from vans and served to customers, the health department previously told the Herald.
Some also do not have equipment to keep hot food hot enough to discourage bacteria growth.
The district has received 120 complaints about unlicensed food vendors this year. That’s up 75% from 2023.
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About the town hall
Public health officials will provide updates on the effort to crackdown on the issue, explain the process for becoming a permitted food vendor and offer community members a chance to ask questions and share concerns.
“This conversation is an opportunity for us to connect directly with residents and vendors to clarify the permitting process, explain our public health responsibilities, and hear community perspectives,” said Janae Parent, BFHD district administrator. “We want to ensure everyone has the information they need to protect public health and operate safely.”
The health department said this is an issue that extends far beyond the Tri-Cities, seen across the state and West Coast.
Panelists Include:
- Erin Hockaday, Sr. Manager of Surveillance and Investigation, BFHD
- Marizela Silva, Interim Food Safety Supervisor, BFHD
- Dr. Steve Krager, Health Officer, BFHD
- Susan Shelton, Food Safety Program, Washington State Department of Health
The town hall will feature a presentation on public health concerns with unlicensed food vendors and the permitting process.
The Q&A session will focus on understanding the permitting process, protecting public safety, ensuring fair business operations, balance enforcement with support for vendors and community questions and open dialogue.
How to participate
Virtual Town Hall Time: Nov 24, 5:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 836 6332 4636
Passcode: 338938
One tap mobile:
+1 669 444 9171,,83663324636#,,,,*338938#
+1 669 900 6833,,83663324636#,,,,*338938# (San Jose)
Join instructions: Pasco Town Hall
In person at Pasco High School, 1108 N. 10th Ave.
Learn more at www.BFHD.wa.gov and for additional questions contact BFHD’s public information officers Amanda Moe and Noel Anderson at PIO@BFHD.wa.gov
This story was originally published November 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM.