Danger on a Plate: The Hidden Risks of Unsafe Food Sources
Food from unsafe sources, such as vendors who are not permitted, inspected, and compliant with food safety standards, can put your health at risk. These foods may carry harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that can cause serious foodborne illnesses.
Vendors who are not permitted and inspected often fail to follow proper hygiene, storage, or food preparation practices, increasing the chance of contamination. Eating food from these sources can lead to outbreaks of illness, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, and in some cases, long-term health complications.
It's important to buy food from vendors that have had their food safety plans reviewed and inspected. Stay safe and be cautious about where your food comes from.
A Guide to Selecting Permitted Food Vendors To ensure you're choosing a food establishment that meets safety standards, there are several ways you can verify whether a vendor is properly permitted:
Check with the Local Health Department: Most local or state health departments have websites where you can look up a business’s permit status and recent inspection reports by name or address. In Benton and Franklin Counties, visit our Food Safety Inspections page to search for a specific establishment.
Look for a Posted Permit: A valid food service permit should be clearly displayed where customers can see it. If it’s not visible, you can ask staff to show it to you.
Understand the Permit: While permits may look different between jurisdictions in Washington State, they should all include basic information:
-Issuing local health jurisdiction’s name
-Business name
-Address
-Expiration date
-Risk level or permit type
Review the Inspection Report: Establishments are required to display their most recent health inspection report or clearly state where it can be found. For Benton and Franklin Counties, inspection reports are available on the Food Safety Inspections page.Choose Permitted Vendors: Always choose food establishments that are properly permitted. This helps protect your health and ensures food is prepared under safe conditions.