Unpermitted or Unlicensed Food Vendors

(food vendor preparing meals directly on the floor)

The Anchorage Health Department (AHD), Food Safety and Sanitation Program (FS&S) works to protect the safety of food products that are supplied to consumers within the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) by providing a permitting and inspection process for food vendors.

Food products offered to the public that have not been through the permitting or inspection process pose a serious public health threat to our community and are not advised for purchase or consumption.

What is an unpermitted or unlicensed food vendor?

Any food vendor in the MOA that is selling or offering food from a vehicle, table, Facebook or social media platform, any facility, or from their home that does not have a permit or license to operate from the Anchorage Health Department, Food Safety and Sanitation Program. This means the food products and vendor are not in compliance and have not been reviewed for safety.

What should I consider before purchasing foods from sources like Facebook?

Is this vendor permitted to sell food in the MOA?
Were animals or pets present in the food prep or kitchen area?
Was the person who prepared the food sick with diarrhea or a contagious illness when it was made?
Did he or she use a clean and sanitary meal prep area?
Was the food cooked and stored safely?
Was the food prepared by someone who washed their hands before and after using the restroom or blowing their nose?
Was the person trained on food safety and cross-contamination prevention prior to making the food?
Where did the ingredients of the food products come from?
What if there are ingredients that I am allergic to in this food product?

What should I do when I encounter an unpermitted or unlicensed food vendor?

Do not purchase or consume food products from an unlicensed or unpermitted food vendor. Submit a report online by clicking here or call 907-343-4200.

How do I know if a food vendor is permitted or licensed?

A permitted or licensed food vendor will have been issued a MOA Food Facility ID#. You may view inspection reports and permit information online, click here to search for the food facility.

How can I become a permitted or licensed food vendor?

Anyone who wants to sell food products in Anchorage can submit an application to become a permitted food vendor. View the AHD Environmental Health, Food Permit website (click here) or call (907) 343-4200 for more information.