Cancún, Mexico — Six restaurants in the municipality of Benito Juárez have been sanctioned during the first quarter of 2025 for failing to comply with health and hygiene standards. Authorities have intensified inspections and training programs to ensure proper food handling practices.
Increased Inspections and Training Efforts
Jaime Torres Viveros, director of protection against sanitary risks in the region, stated that daily inspections are conducted at restaurants, food stalls, supermarkets, street markets, and mobile vendors, particularly in high-traffic and tourist areas.
A reinforced training campaign has been implemented to educate restaurant staff on hygienic food handling. Officials are scrutinizing the entire production chain to ensure compliance with regulations for human consumption.
Recent Incident Highlights Risks
The sanctions follow a recent incident in which minors suffered severe food poisoning after allegedly consuming sushi at a Cancún restaurant. Parents demanded intervention from the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris).
High temperatures, exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in some areas of the state, increase the risk of food spoilage and bacterial contamination. Surveillance operations target establishments handling and processing food, with fines reaching up to 22,000 pesos for violations.
Key Violations and Penalties
Inspectors examine refrigeration, labeling, expiration dates, and food temperatures. Irregularities have been found in cross-contamination risks, such as mixing raw and cooked foods, which can lead to bacterial transfer.
Torres Viveros explained, "Cancún, being a large municipality with numerous dining establishments, requires heightened inspection efforts." Depending on the severity of violations, penalties range from product seizures and temporary suspensions to administrative fines exceeding 22,000 pesos.
Restaurants found in violation must rectify all issues before resuming operations.
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