Does the city ever plan on cracking down on the fruit vendors on the corners of Gilroy streets? Do these vendors have business licenses? Where is the fruit coming from? The state requires all food sold to be prepared in sanitary kitchens. Is this fruit being prepared in such manner?
Red Phone:
Rest assured, good caller, that the county is tasked with the regulation of such vendors.
According to Scott Barron, City of Gilroy code enforcement officer, complaints involving transient fruit vendors, described as “mobile vendors” whose facilities are defined as “any portable container, pushcart, stand, vehicle or wagon used for displaying, selling or offering for sale any food, goods or services” should be called into the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health at (408) 918-3400. That department enforces food facilities in the county—including mobile vendors. Vendors who sell food must have a valid permit to ensure the food is safe for the public.
All such vendors must also obtain an identity permit pursuant to Municipal Code chapter 16A.1 and a mobile vending permit may also be required pursuant to Section 16A.13, Barron said. The Gilroy Police Department issues and enforces identity permits and mobile vending permits. They will look into such complaints to ensure valid permits are in place.
Vendors who plan to set up at a single location and remain there for no longer than 30 calendar days must obtain a temporary use permit from the Planning Division.
