A controversy has erupted after health officials in Denver reportedly poured bleach in the food of an unlicensed taco vendor. According to Newsweek via the Denver Post, "Two health officials approached the Tacos Tacolorado stall in Denver on Saturday evening and asked for the food to be destroyed." The vendor allegedly put the food in a vehicle. An official then poured bleach on the food that was still in the stall. Emily Williams, a Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) spokesperson, reportedly related this to the Post.
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A Video Depicts the Incident
A video of the incident appeared on TikTok. The official was reportedly using bleach in containers of guacamole, onions, and limes.
There Were Previous Concerns About This Vendor
Per Newsweek, the DDPHE had already been checking on the vendor for an extended period because of "serious public health concerns." The vendor "repeatedly failed to follow essential food safety procedures."
Not complying with standard sanitary measures regarding food heightens the chance of contracting a foodborne illness. Per the outlet, "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million people (one in six) in the U.S. get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and around 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases."
The outlet mentioned photos from the Denver Health Department depicting some of the conditions in question. They included "improper food storage and a thermometer placed in meat with a reading of 54 degrees Fahrenheit."
Three Earlier Inspections of This Vendor Were Done
Per the outlet via the DDPHE, following those inspections. a cease-and-desist order was issued.
An Official Addressed the Use of Bleach
What was probably most surprising to the public was the use of bleach on the vendor's food. That issue was discussed by Denver's Director of Public Health Investigations, Danica Lee. Per Newsweek via the Denver Post, she said, "It [bleach] is a tool that we use not really often, because we prefer to use different methods, but from time to time, it is necessary."
She clarified the reasons for doing so to an outlet called Westword. According to Newsweek via Westword, Lee stated, "Foods were not at the right temperature...There was no sanitizing solution available...The equipment was not effective for keeping foods at the right temperature."
A DDPHE Spokesperson Explained the Circumstances in Greater Detail
This spokesperson issued a lengthy statement to Newsweek. It said in part, "Our Public Health Investigations team has engaged with this vendor multiple times across different locations in Denver, offering education, bilingual resources, and guidance to help them come into compliance. Despite these efforts, the vendor has continued to operate illegally and unsafely."
The statement also said in part, "Given the vendor's interference, lack of an on-site dumpster, and the amount of contaminated food, bleach was used as a quick and immediate response to ensure food could not be packed, stored, and resold. Any food that is destroyed is bagged and discarded, not left for someone to eat later. Using bleach or other additives is a standard public health practice intended to prevent illness and protect unknowing future consumers. These actions are never taken lightly and are only used after multiple attempts at education and voluntary compliance."
