Charlotte, North Carolina.As legal vendors raise concerns about an increase in illicit operations, tensions in Charlotte’s thriving street food industry are rising. Public health and commercial issues have been raised by the 184 complaints that Mecklenburg County’s health department has received since July 1, 2024, regarding food vendors operating without permits.
Legal vendors feel the squeeze from unlicensed sellers
Wais Mayar, executive director of Halal Street Food and Halal Food Truck, is at the center of this problem. His companies, which are renowned for their quality and customer service, have long been mainstays in Uptown Charlotte. However, Mayar claims that the recent increase in illegal food vendors is putting people at considerable risk and creating an unfair playing field.
“Yes, I have seen some of them, and it’s really quite dangerous,” Mayar remarked. It’s annoying. We are doing morally, and we are offended when we witness someone acting immorally.
He clarified that the issue has gotten worse over the last two years, particularly when Uptown gets congested during rush hour.
Health department warns of late-night safety issues
The trend was confirmed by Mecklenburg County’s public health director, Dr. Raymond Washington. The majority of concerns have been focused on Uptown and South End, where bars and clubs draw sizable crowds between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.
People are saying things like, “Hey, they’re using a fryer to fry chicken on the side of the road, and the chicken is in a plastic container and falling into the grease,” Washington said. All we want to do is make sure people are safe.
When purchasing street food, Washington citizens are advised to watch for two important indicators:
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A
posted sanitation score
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A
visible vendor permit
He underlined that improperly refrigerated setups, which are frequently observed in gas station parking lots under tents, could expose patrons to foodborne infections.
Business owners want stronger enforcement
For Mayar and other authorized sellers, the problem is not merely one of competition but rather one of public health and community confidence.
We love feeding and assisting people, and the city and its residents adore us,” Mayar remarked. However, when others violate the law and endanger others, it hurts.
In order to ensure appropriate food safety, vendors claim to have complied with laws, passed health inspections, and made equipment investments. In order to prevent future damage to Charlotte’s flourishing street food culture, they are now pleading with city officials to increase enforcement.
Have you observed unauthorized food vendors in Charlotte? When deciding where to eat, what safety procedures do you check for? Leave a comment below or get in touch with us at atchicagosuburbanfamily.com.
