The Kern County Board of Supervisors is mulling over a new ordinance presented by the Kern County Public Health Depart ment which if approved would impose stricter health permit regulations on food vendors around town.

Public health officials said after receiving numerous complaints from the public and from local restaurant owners they decided to draft the new ordinance. The ordinance creates stronger penalties for food trucks and food carts who have not received a permit by the health department to operate.

If a vendor does not have a permit the health department would be able to seize equipment, like food carts, until that vendor gets inspected and completes the permit process.

Public health officials saying their goal is to keep residents safe and healthy. It is unknown how soon the board will make a decision.