SEATTLE — Public health officials shut down over a dozen unpermitted food vendors that were operating around Lumen Field earlier this week.

Unpermitted vendors are a growing issue , particularly around the stadiums in Seattle.

Thirteen unpermitted red carts around Lumen Field's north parking lot were operating without permits, sufficient refrigeration or handwashing facilities. Three food stands along Occidental Avenue were also shut down, one of which had no running water available. In total, 17 food businesses were shuttered.

There has been a major increase in illegal food cart operations in recent years, especially around busy thoroughfares like Occidental and First Avenues. In 2023, King County shut down 27 carts. Last year, the county shut down 111; a 300% increase.

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