City warns public: Don’t eat food from unlicensed vendors to prevent illness

The City of Minneapolis Health Department today issued clear advice for the public: Don't consume food from street vendors who are not licensed. With City health inspectors frequently uncovering unsafe food storage and preparation of meat and other products, eating food from an unlicensed vendor is a public health concern and may cause illness.

The City has embarked on a range of proactive efforts in recent years to support food vendors in learning the licensing system, getting licensed, operating safe and successful businesses, and reducing costs associated with selling food. The Health Department's bilingual staff have both trauma-informed and trafficking prevention training. Despite these efforts, unlicensed vendors remain widespread, raising health and safety concerns and prompting complaints from residents and businesses. If vendors persist in breaking food safety rules, the City will step up enforcement against those vendors to protect public health.

"Over the last year, there has been a dramatic increase in unlicensed food vendors selling cut fruit, grilled meats and other food on streets, sidewalks, and in parks," said Commissioner Damon Chaplin, City of Minneapolis Health Department. "This poses a serious health risk to our community members and visitors to our city. We urge people to refrain from buying street food from vendors without a license. The risk of illness is high when doing so."

Risks of purchasing from an unlicensed vendor

Buying and consuming food from an unlicensed vendor carries a serious risk of illness. Unlicensed vendors often lack proper food safety training and may not have the equipment to keep food at safe temperatures, which can lead to food poisoning. Foods must be kept out of the temperature danger zone (41°F-135°F) to slow harmful bacterial growth. City inspectors are repeatedly finding raw meat and other perishable food being stored at temperatures within the temperature danger zone.

Food vendors without a license are more likely to break food safety rules:

• Purchasing food and food ingredients from a safe commercial source
• Taking steps to prevent food poisoning
• Properly washing food
• Frequently washing hands or using gloves when handling or preparing foods
• Cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, equipment, or other utensils
• Preparing food at a licensed commercial kitchen
• Keeping pets away from the food

"Our main concern is the health and well-being of our community members," said Cindy Weckwerth, Minneapolis Health Department Director of Environmental Health. "We are just one bite away from someone getting dangerously ill from eating food prepared in unsafe conditions. We want our food vendors to be successful, but they must follow food safety rules and the steps to become licensed first."

Food poisoning symptoms

Eating food that is improperly sourced, stored, or prepared may cause you to get sick. Depending on the illness, symptoms may begin several hours to many days after eating contaminated food. Potential symptoms include:

• Stomach cramps
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Some infections can lead to chronic health problems, life-threatening illness or death. Report food poisoning to the Minnesota Department of Health Food Illness Hotline at 1-877-FOOD ILL (877-366-3455).

How to recognize licensed food vendors

The City requires licensed vendors to display a current license on their cart. If you don't see a City of Minneapolis sticker, ask the vendor to show it.

Educating food vendors and providing pathways for business licensing

By state law and City ordinance, there are steps a person must follow to be licensed to sell food in Minneapolis. Over the last two years, the Minneapolis Health and Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Departments have taken several proactive steps to educate vendors and support licensing and compliance with laws and regulations, including training, technical assistance, and cost-reduction measures.

• In 2023 and 2024, Minneapolis Health and Business Licensing Inspectors worked to educate dozens of unlicensed vendors on licensing requirements and provide guidance on the safest locations to sell food.
• In 2024, the Health Department received a $20,000 grant to help vendors obtain their Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) training and purchase equipment to lower the cost barrier to sell food legally. Health contracted with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), who led the outreach, along with City staff.
• In 2025, the Health Department received a $150,000 budget amendment to assist vendors. The Health Department contracted with Healthy Roots Institute (HRI) to provide four ongoing cohorts of CFPM training and technical assistance on how to run a food business.

City resources

Vendors who would like help starting their licensed food business, may contact Healthy Roots Institute at 612-987-1565.

Find City resources and training to serve safe food and have a successful business

Learn about licensing for a food truck or cart on the City website

Learn more about CFPM training