El Dorado cracking down on illegal vendors

El Dorado County officials are warning people not to buy produce from people selling it on the side of the road.

“We are seeing an influx of vendors from outside of the county,” said El Dorado County Agriculture Commissioner Charlene Carveth said in a statement. “In most instances, roadside dealers are not selling produce that is locally grown, or in compliance with basic local and state food safety requirements.”

A “Protect Local Growers Campaign” has been launched to combat the rogue vendors.

“The idea of the campaign is twofold,” Farm Bureau Executive Director Valerie Zentner said in a statement. “We want to educate the public about the risks of purchasing produce from illegal roadside vendors, and in doing so protect the law-abiding local growers in our community.”

Risks from roadside produce include consuming food that is not in compliance with safe handling, pesticide, refrigeration, packaging and labeling requirements, according to officials.

People may call the county hotline at (530) 642.4968 to report suspected illegal roadside vendors.