GUSTINE — A joint enforcement operation between the Gustine Police Department and Merced County Public Health targeted unauthorized food vendors in Gustine on Friday night, marking the city’s first direct involvement in a broader countywide crackdown aimed at protecting public health and ensuring fair business practices.
Officers visited two vendor locations within city limits and found that neither had the required business licenses or health certifications to operate. Their inventory was confiscated and placed under the possession of Merced County, according to Gustine Police Community Service Officer Karyme Elizalde. The action followed a surge in complaints from residents about unpermitted food sales in town.
“We started to get a lot of complaints about vendors selling stuff that was not permitted in Gustine,” Elizalde said. She added that the department hopes to continue partnering with county officials to address the issue.
The enforcement effort in Gustine coincided with a larger countywide sweep that included stops in Merced, Los Banos, and Winton. Four citations were issued across those cities, and at least two vendors had their equipment seized. In Merced, the Bank of America parking lot on West Main Street—once a popular spot for pop-up vendors—was empty on Friday, Oct. 11, as authorities shut down operations and removed equipment.
According to Merced County Public Information Officer Mike North, the crackdown is part of a coordinated effort to preserve public health. Unlicensed vendors often lack proper refrigeration, handwashing stations, and sanitary food preparation practices, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and other health risks.
The county’s Environmental Health Division, which accompanied law enforcement during the operations, emphasized that the goal is not punitive but educational. Vendors were provided with information on how to become compliant, including steps to obtain permits and meet health standards.
Still, the issue has sparked debate across Merced County, especially in cities like Merced where pop-up vendors have become a fixture of neighborhood life. City officials are currently reviewing proposed changes to street vending ordinances that would tighten health regulations, restrict vendor locations, and expand enforcement authority.
Supporters of the changes argue that unregulated vendors pose health risks and create unfair competition for brick-and-mortar businesses. At an October City Council meeting, several business owners voiced frustration, saying they pay taxes, carry insurance, and follow health codes—costs that unlicensed vendors avoid.
“To me, the problems are of economic fairness in established commercial areas,” Councilmember Shane Smith said during a recent meeting. “A street vendor can pop up, and the perception is that they’re free-riding on a market that somebody’s paid to be a part of.”
Merced Police Chief Steven Stanfield echoed those concerns, noting that his department receives frequent complaints about vendors operating in public parking lots without proper sanitation. “We deal with meats that are not being properly stored in refrigeration,” he said. “It’s mostly food, illness, and improper sanitation issues.”
The county’s public health department has reported cases of extreme illness linked to unregulated vendors, prompting a working group of city managers, attorneys, and law enforcement to explore new regulatory frameworks. Liability concerns also play a role, as vendors operating on private or city-owned property without permission expose municipalities to legal risk.
In Gustine, the recent operation signals a new chapter in local enforcement. While the city has not previously been a focal point in the county’s vendor crackdown, Elizalde said the department is committed to ensuring public safety and fairness for licensed businesses.
As Merced County continues to refine its approach, officials say the goal remains clear: protect consumers, support compliant vendors, and maintain a level playing field for all.
The Merced Focus contributed to this article.