In Mexico City, eating on the street is almost a daily ritual, especially near Metro stations because they are on our way. But a recent study by the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) revealed an alarming fact: many sauces from
street stalls contain fecal bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. The reason? Poor hygiene, lack of refrigeration, and exposure to the environment. Now you know, if you're a fan of
street food, watch out! Your favorite stall might be one of those affected. At kiwilimón, we tell you everything you need to know about the IPN study. You can also read:
The best street food is in Mexico!H2: What did the IPN study find?
Researchers from the National Polytechnic Institute analyzed the sauces from various food stalls located less than 50 meters away from 181 CDMX Metro stations. They were able to identify aerobic mesophilic bacteria outside the norm, fecal coliforms in 39% of the sites, and fecal bacteria (e.g., E. coli and Salmonella) in stalls at least nine stations on five Metro lines. What bacteria were found in the sauces?Fecal coliforms: present in 39% of the stalls and throughout the studied network.E. coli and Salmonella: detected in sauces from nine specific stations, including Boulevard Puerto Aéreo, Cuatro Caminos, Coyoacán, UAM-I, Insurgentes Sur, Tepito, and Ciudad Azteca.These bacteria are responsible for causing gastrointestinal infections, with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. At which Metro stations were contaminated sauces found?The stalls with contaminated sauces were located near nine stations:Line 1: Boulevard Puerto AéreoLine 2: Cuatro Caminos and Colegio MilitarLine 3: Coyoacán and ViverosLine 8: UAM-ILine 12: Insurgentes SurLine B: Ciudad Azteca and TepitoIn total, irregularities were detected in sauces at around 20% of the stations examined.What does this mean? Risks for street food eatersSauces are often prepared with raw ingredients such as chilies, onion, garlic, and water, which promotes bacterial growth when there is no refrigeration or sanitary supervision. The presence of fecal coliforms reveals fecal contamination in food, a sign that there is no good hygiene in their preparation or that they are exposed to the environment without any protection. With more than 3 million daily users in the Metro and a high consumption of
street food, the risk of gastrointestinal infections increases significantly. See more:
Tips for enjoying street food without fearTips for enjoying with less riskChoose stalls where everything is covered and where sauces are not in containers without lids or plastic. Observe if the vendors use gloves or plastic bags to handle money and food. Avoid sauces that have been unrefrigerated for a long time, especially in warm weather. Wash your hands or use antibacterial gel before eating. Conclusion with flavor and cautionThis IPN study, published in the journal Hospital Medicine and Clinical Management, makes it clear that sauces from
street stalls near the CDMX Metro may be contaminated with fecal bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, a health risk for those who consume them unknowingly. Although street food is an essential part of Chilango culture, enjoying it cautiously can help you enjoy it without putting your health at risk. Watch out for the sauces that go with your tacos and snacks! Continue reading:
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