Environmental Health Department Partners With Spectra to Conduct Close to 300 Balloon Fiesta Food Inspections

October 7, 2019

The City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department will conduct close to 300 food safety and health inspections over the course of the Balloon Fiesta. Inspectors will work diligently each day of the event to ensure that food safety and public health are assured for attendees. 

Environmental Health is partnering with Spectra, a third-party vendor that oversees food vendors for the Balloon Fiesta. Spectra provides logistical support and oversight for food vendors, while Environmental Health provides food safety training and regular inspections to ensure compliance with safe food handling practices.

“Each year our inspectors keep a close eye on all of the food preparation activities at Balloon Fiesta, looking for anything that could lead to illness,” said Dr. Mark DiMenna, Deputy Director for the Environmental Health Department. “We want people to remember Balloon Fiesta as an amazing experience, not for food-borne illness.”

All 43 vendors and VIP catered events are permitted and inspected by Environmental Health. Inspectors will visit each vendor at least once daily. Environmental Health staff will also be handing out hand sanitizer while supplies last.

To report food-borne illness call 311 or visit our website reporting tool at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cabqfoodborneillness