Stanislaus County city is cracking down on unlicensed street vendors. Here’s why
Police and health officials are cracking down on unlicensed mobile food vendors in one Stanislaus County town following what has been previously deemed a “significant uptick” in this type of business.
On Friday, Feb. 13, the Ceres Police Department Code Enforcement Unit, in partnership with the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources, conducted an enforcement operation targeting unlicensed vendors operating in Ceres. Two vendors were cited and had their food products and cooking equipment confiscated during the operation, according to a news release.
“Unlicensed food vending operations pose significant health and safety risks, as food prepared and sold by these vendors is not subject to established health, safety or quality control standards,” the release says.
Increased concerns and complaints from residents and city officials initiated the operation.
All mobile food vendors in Stanislaus County must be properly licensed through their respective cities and comply with applicable county health regulations.
“These requirements are in place to ensure that food sold to the public meets established safety standards and is safe for consumption,” the release says. Additional enforcement operations will be conducted in the future to ensure compliance with city and county ordinance requirements.
For information regarding vendor licensing requirements, contact the Ceres Police Department Code Enforcement Unit at 209-538-5507.
This story was originally published February 23, 2026 at 12:52 PM.
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