An undetermined amount of illegal food vendor permits were distributed under the watch of former health official Joseph Castagna, who resigned after a police investigation in August 2009.

Now, more than 100 food truck vendors who forked up thousands of dollars in phony permits face loss of operation.

Natalia Caicego of Lucinda Burritos & Tacos along with Louisiana Spice Truck owner Jessie Dardar came to a January 13 City Council meeting looking for answers.

“There’s a possibility we can all be unemployed,” said Dardar. “We live in a system of checks and balances. What this person got away with is unbelievable. I understand there were 300 more [permits] than the city allows…it’s not fair for us who work hard for little to become collateral damage. Where do we go from here?”

Councilman Stephen Fulop responded, “How we approach the problem depends on the number. We need a number of how many are out there now. We’re waiting for clarity.”

City Attorney Bill Matsikoudis said a committee is tackling the task of “coming up with a number, after research.”

In addition to sorting out the permit mess, the City Council aims to revise the outdated food truck ordinance. Currently, vendors must stay at least 300 feet away from established eateries and can only stay in one location for 40 minutes.

Food truck vendors face long days and fierce competition to scramble for the best spots while enduring restaurant owners’ scorn. The mayor’s office representatives have in the past stated that they may draft revisions to the ordinance to allow vendors to bid for coveted spots along the waterfront and in Journal Square.

Mayor’s Aide Kevin Lyons was not available for comment on updates regarding the Castagna investigation.