Three in 10 Quintana Roo Food Establishments Show Sanitary Irregularities

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Roughly three out of every 10 food and beverage establishments inspected by health authorities in Quintana Roo have some type of irregularity, mostly minor, according to the state’s top sanitation official.

Jaime Torres Viveros, head of the Directorate for Protection Against Health Risks, said inspections are carried out on an ongoing basis at businesses that prepare and sell food and drinks across the state’s municipalities. He noted that of every 10 establishments checked, about three show violations ranging from minor to serious.

The most common problems include poor food handling practices and cross-contamination. In most cases, the issues can be corrected by the businesses themselves and do not pose a serious risk, he said.

After an inspection, officials issue a report and give the person in charge a deadline to respond and fix the findings. A review and resolution process then determines whether the business is liable and whether a fine is warranted.

“Of every 10 establishments verified in the state, maybe three have minor or major issues, and maybe one or two are fined,” Torres Viveros said, explaining that penalties depend on the outcome of the administrative procedure.

Torres Viveros urged residents to report any establishment where they suspect poor sanitary practices. Complaints can be filed through the online system operated by the Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks (Cofepris), even anonymously.

He said complaints received through the federal platform are reviewed daily by state authorities, who then carry out the corresponding verification visits.

“If someone sees bad practices somewhere, report them,” Torres Viveros said, adding that authorities respond immediately to reports of potential health risks.

He highlighted that citizen complaints help detect establishments that could be operating in ways that endanger consumer health and help strengthen oversight across Quintana Roo.