City and County of Denver, CO

04/04/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/04/2025 10:46

Food Safety in Denver: What Consumers & Vendors Need to Know

Food Safety in Denver: What Consumers & Vendors Need to Know

Published on April 04, 2025

Denver is home to a thriving food scene, with over 4,000 food businesses ranging from restaurants and bars to food trucks, bakeries, and grocery stores. Whether you're dining out, grabbing a bite at a food truck, or running a food business, food safety should always be a top priority.

That's where Denver's Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) Food Safety Program comes in. This program is dedicated to reducing the risk of foodborne illness by inspecting food businesses, educating employees and consumers, investigating complaints, and enforcing regulations.

Why Food Safety Matters

While the United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world, foodborne illness, or food poisoning, remains a significant public health concern. Every year, 48 million Americans (or 1 in 6 people) get sick from contaminated food. In cases where two or more people contract the same illness from a common food source, it is classified as a foodborne illness outbreak.

To combat this, DDPHE Food Safety investigators conduct regular inspections of all food businesses in Denver, including stadiums and mobile food vendors, to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

What Consumers Should Know About Food Safety

When dining on the go, like at a food truck or a mobile food cart, there are steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Check for a hand sink - Not only is it a requirement for a licensed food business, but clean hands help prevent foodborne illnesses, ensuring customer safety and a healthier work environment for employees.
  • Observe food handling practices - Employees should always wear gloves or use tongs when handling ready-to-eat food. If you don't see these practices being followed, it's a red flag.
  • Look for refrigerated and heated storage areas - Cold and hot food storage are essential to food safety because they help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and keep food safe for consumption. Look for a grill or appropriate cooking equipment for hot foods and a cooler or refrigerator for cold foods.
  • Wash your hands (or bring sanitizer!) - Always wash your hands before eating. If you're ordering from a food truck or street vendor, handwashing stations may not always be available, so it's a good idea to carry hand sanitizer or disposable wipes.

What About Food Peddlers?

Food peddlers-vendors selling prepackaged hot or cold foods (like burritos) at events or busy areas-must be licensed and can only sell items made in a licensed, inspected kitchen. They cannot actively prepare food on-site. Peddlers must wear a visible, city-issued badge when working.

If you ever experience food poisoning or spot a food safety concern, you can report it to DDPHE using our online forms:

If you encounter an unlicensed food business, you can file a complaint with EXL here: Submit a complaint - City and County of Denver.

What Food Vendors and Businesses Need to Know

If you operate a food business in Denver, food safety should be a top priority. Here are some key rules to follow:

  • Get the proper license - All food businesses must have a valid Denver Business and Professional License through the Department of Excise and Licenses (EXL).
  • Prepare food in an approved commercial kitchen - You cannot store, wash, cut, or prepare food at home. Everything must be done in a licensed, inspected commissary or commercial kitchen.
    • This ensures that food is handled in a controlled, sanitary environment.
  • Follow strict hygiene controls:
    • A hand sink must be available when cooking, preparing, or assembling food
    • Wash hands after touching money, phones, or other non-food items
    • Wash hands with warm water, soap, and a paper towel (hand sanitizer is NOT a substitute for handwashing when handling food)
    • Use gloves or tongs when handling ready-to-eat food
  • Maintain safe food temperatures
    • Keep cold food at 41°F or below and hot food at 135°F or above

Food Safety is a Community Effort

Whether you're a customer enjoying a meal or a vendor serving food, following food safety guidelines is essential for protecting public health. By staying informed and practicing safe food handling, we can all help keep Denver's vibrant food scene both delicious and safe!

For more information visit DDPHE's Public Health Investigations Division.