Merced County cracks down on unpermitted food vendors. What it takes to get a permit
Merced County continues to crack down on unpermitted food vendors, increasing enforcement sweeps and levying more fines.
At the Board of Supervisors meeting Jan. 13, county environmental health officials presented the results of their recent crackdown and their plans to continue to reduce unpermitted vendors.
The county says the unpermitted vendors cause unsanitary and unsafe food for customers. The presentation at the meeting showed photos of unpermitted vendors serving rotten meat.
The unpermitted vendors also cause unfair economic competition for vendors and restaurant owners who have properly gone through the permit process, the county says.
So, what does it take to get a food vendor permit in Merced County?
It’s important to think it through
The first step is to figure out exactly what kind of food you plan to serve and how you’ll do it, according to Amanda Duran, deputy director of the Department of Environmental Health for Merced County.
Often, potential vendors begin the process with a vague idea of their plans. Having a clear game plan at the beginning makes the process much easier, Duran said.
Then, of course, there are forms and fees.
On the county website are eight categories for mobile food facilities, with costs ranging from $161 to $794 a year. The categories depend on whether you’re using a cart or truck, what kind of food the vendors provide, and how it’s prepared.
It doesn’t take long if you’re prepared
Duran said the permitting process can be done in just a few hours if the applicant is well-prepared.
“Now, if someone doesn’t know what they want to cook, or hasn’t bought a cooking truck or cart, there could be some back-and-fourth conversations, us helping them figure out what they need to meet their goals,” Duran said in an email. “But when someone shows up with a whole plan, it’s fairly easy.”
Duran said the process can be a little intimidating to those applying for the first time. She recommended coming in to meet with someone to walk you through the process and find the correct forms to fill out.
Duran said that of the five people on the team that deals with the permitting process, two speak Spanish and two speak Hmong.
“My staff is so friendly, and they’ll talk you through it,” Duran said.
The Department of Environmental Health can be reached at 209-381-1100.
This story was originally published January 26, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
