Department of Health Urges Caution When Purchasing Food from Non-Permitted Vendors

HONOLULU - The Department of Health would like to alert the public, regarding the purchase of food from roadside vendors and caterers. There are increasing reports of vendors [along roadways] and caterers throughout the state selling food without a valid food establishment permit.

There is great concern regarding potentially hazardous prepared foods such as Laulau, Kalua Pork, Smoked Meat, Pasteles, Poke and others being sold by un-permitted vendors. The Department of Health is equally concerned about catering operations that are operating illegally without food establishment permits.

You should ask to see their approval from the Department of Health, before purchasing any prepared food item. The permit will either have approved dates of sale or an expiration date. If they do not have a permit, there is no way of determining the manner in which the food was prepared or whether from a permitted or un-permitted source.

Cold food should be kept at 45ºF or colder on drained ice. Hot food should be held at a minimum temperature of 140ºF or hotter. When in doubt, do not purchase food that is not maintained at a safe temperature.

If you have any questions please call your local State Department of Health, Sanitation Branch:

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For more information, contact:

Brian Choy
Department of Health Sanitation Branch
Phone: (808) 586-8000
E-mail: bchoy@ehsdmail.health.state.hi.us.