The Hawai'i Department of Health is advising the public not to purchase food from roadside vendors who do not have food permits.

There are potential food-safety concerns regarding unlicensed mobile or temporary businesses, according to a news release issued by the department. Legal vendors, who are able to show their permits upon request or have them posted in their vehicle, are required to comply with safe food handling and preparation rules.

"The department has recently seen an increase in complaints from the public about unlicensed roadside food vendors," Rex Mitsunaga, DOH Sanitation Branch Chief said in the news release. "Unlicensed vendors raise concerns about whether food being sold is properly handled and prepared, whether proper temperatures are being maintained to prevent spoilage and the source of meat and other raw products used."

Although DOH has not received confirmed reports of related illness, residents and visitors have complained of becoming ill from consuming food from unlicensed roadside vendors. The public is urged to report any food vendor they suspect to be operating without a permit or using unsafe practices. The DOH will order violators to stop and will work with those willing to comply with food-safety regulations and obtain legal permits.

For further information call the DOH Sanitation Branch: Hilo at 808-933-0917; Kona at 808-322-1507; Kaua'i at 808-241-3323; Maui and Lana'i at 808-984-8230; Moloka'i at 808-553-3208; and O'ahu at 586-8000.