A Denver health inspector was filmed pouring Clorox bleach on a street vendor’s food, leading to the disposal of approximately 100 pounds of food, according to the vendor, Isidro Garcia Barrette. The incident sparked controversy, with the city defending the action, citing repeated warnings and citations issued to the vendor over several weeks. Denver’s public health director, Danica Lee, stated that the viral clip lacked context and that using bleach to destroy food was an unusual measure taken after multiple warnings went unheeded.
Health inspectors reported finding unsanitary conditions, including workers washing hands in dirty water, raw meat left unrefrigerated, inadequate refrigeration, and a lack of sanitizer. While food safety regulations vary by jurisdiction, health departments typically prioritize education and corrective actions before resorting to food destruction. According to the CDC, foodborne illnesses affect 48 million Americans annually, highlighting the critical role of health inspections in preventing outbreaks and ensuring public safety.