Police and Health Dept. Yank Illegal Food Carts from Washington Heights

Police and Health Dept. Yank Illegal Food Carts from Washington Heights

November 17, 2011 12:12pm | By Carla Zanoni, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

A street vendor sells pastelitos from a push cart in Washington Heights. (elisadeljanin.wordpress.com)

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Police pulled six illegally operating food carts off the streets of Washington Heights earlier this month as part of a sting operation with the Department of Health that was the latest in a series of crackdowns against area vendors.

Police swept Broadway between West 155th and 168th streets, hauling away six carts that sold assorted foods like Mexican tamales and Dominican pastelitos — a dough-wrapped cheese-filled snack — explained Capt. Brian Mullen, commanding officer of the 33rd Precinct.

The sting was part of a year-long operation conducted in conjunction with the Department of Health. Mullen said the DOH has conducted four raids so far this year.

"We're seeing many more vendors this year than we have in years past," he said.

The Health Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20111117/washington-heights-inwood/police-health-dept-yank-illegal-food-carts-from-washington-heights?utm_content=chiefcharley472%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Police%20and%20Health%20Dept%2E%20Yank%20Illegal%20Food%20Carts%20from%20Washington%20Heights&utm_campaign=Officials%20Break%20Ground%20on%20New%20Juan%20Bosch%20Plaza%20in%20Highbridge%20Parkcontent#ixzz1e4enMV9e