The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is warning the public about an ongoing illegal food operation based in Merced County that is actively operating in Monterey County and nearby areas. The operation involves roadside food stands selling unrefrigerated, unpermitted food that poses serious health risks.

These food stands, often set up under blue and red tents, have been spotted across the Central Coast. They typically feature tables, grills and vertical rotisseries. According to investigators, the food is prepared in Merced and then transported over two hours to locations in Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Santa Clara counties — without any form of refrigeration.frigeration.

The lack of temperature control during transport and at the stands creates dangerous conditions for bacteria like E. coli, salmonella and listeria to grow.

Investigations in Merced County began back in September 2024 and uncovered unsanitary food preperation sites in warehouses and garages. Officials found raw and partially cooked meat left unrefrigerated, uncovered perishable items and vertical rotisseries similar to those found at the roadside stands in Monterey County.

Since late 2024, Monterey County officials have seized food from stands in Pajaro, Royal Oaks, Castroville, North Salinas, Fort Ord, Soledad and Greenfield.

On May 7, additional action took place in Castroville and north of Salinas. Most recently, on May 22, investigators impounded food, equipment and a vehicle from two illegal food stands — one near Highway 68 and Canyon Del Rey, close to Del Rey Oaks, and another at 348 San Juan Grade Road in Salinas. Both were linked to the Merced-based network.

Inspectors reported a lack of basic food safety practices at these stands — no refrigeration, no hand-washing stations and high risks of cross-contamination.

Authorities estimate the illegal operation brings in around $100,000 in cash per month. However, the workers operating these stands appear to be underpaid, possibly not even earning minimum wage.

The District Attorney emphasized that the focus is not on prosecuting the workers, but rather on dismantling the network leaders.

The office is asking residents not to support these stands and instead buy from businesses that follow health regulations and pay fair wages.