The Ministry of Health advised on Apr. 1 that people should check hygiene measures when eating street food during Holy Week, as unsafe practices could lead to severe infections and disrupt the holiday period.
The warning comes as more people are expected to eat outside their homes during the festivities. The Ministry said it is important to be cautious with foods sold in public places, especially due to the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Dr. Víctor Llerena Miñán, an infectious disease specialist at Hospital Carlos Lanfranco La Hoz, said that prepared foods kept at room temperature should not be left out for more than 60 minutes. He added that this is particularly important during periods of intense heat because such foods can spoil faster without proper refrigeration. “The consequences of consuming spoiled food usually appear within four to six hours and the most common symptoms are diarrhea and stomach pain,” Llerena Miñán said. He also advised against drinking alcoholic beverages if someone already has an infection, noting they “can cause greater dehydration and produce more diarrhea.”
Llerena Miñán recommended that people undergoing cancer treatment, those with infections or other health conditions avoid eating from vendors with questionable hygiene standards in order to prevent further complications.
To identify whether a street vendor meets minimum health requirements, authorities recommend checking if fresh or marine products are stored on ice or in coolers; ensuring the person preparing food has access to handwashing facilities; verifying utensils and plates are properly cleaned; watching for cross-contamination between raw meats and other foods; and asking whether drinks are made with boiled water or observing how they are handled.
The Ministry reminded citizens that anyone experiencing persistent stomach discomfort accompanied by vomiting should seek immediate care at a nearby health center.
