Release Date: February 8, 2008
Contact: Christine Patmon, Metro Health Public Relations Manager, 207-8638
Metro Health Warns Community about Illegal Candy Apple Sales
Metro Health is warning residents about the danger of buying food items from unapproved sources, in particular, candy apples being sold on San Antonio streets. The apples, believed to be produced in mass quantities in an unlicensed establishment, could carry the risk of the consumer receiving a foodborne illness.
Adults and youth have been identified selling the items without a permit at intersections along streets such as Bandera Road, Culebra, 24th Street, General McMullen, Military Drive and the IH-10 corridor between Fresno and Vance Jackson. Food Sanitation staff continue to monitor all areas of the city and issue the vendors citations as they are found.
“It is important that people who are interested in preparing food products obtain a health permit and receive proper training to prevent foodborne illnesses,” said Stephen Barscewski, Sanitarian Services Manager. “And, if they are going to sell products outside of a licensed food establishment, they must purchase a mobile vending permit from Metro Health.”
Foodborne diseases develop from contaminated items prepared in unsanitary conditions. Metro Health received more than 100 complaints regarding foodborne illnesses last year.
For more information or to report unlicensed food sales, call 207-0135.
