Distressing video footage shows sanitation workers confiscate fresh produce from a street vendor - proceeding to throw it away over safety concerns.

The local vendor in Bronx, New York was targeted by the city's Department of Sanitation because the produce was left unattended so deemed unsafe to sell.

In the video, sanitation crews can be seen throwing box after box of fresh fruit and vegetables into a garbage truck, with an angry crowd protesting behind them.

Diana Hernandez Cruz, an immigrant and a new mother, has worked at the stand for five years - but has been unable to secure a city permit to legally sell her produce.

She said: "I'm here in the rain, I'm here in the snow, and I work hard to provide food - but also to take care of my family."

The video was filmed on September 25.