IMSS doctor warns against street food

Medical problems are common due to improper food preparation and handling

Eating street food can be bad for your health, warns a doctor at the Guerrero office of the Social Security Institute, or IMSS.

Catarino Antonio Camero Herrera said food prepared under dubious circumstances can lead to bacteria, parasites and viruses that can cause stomach disorder, abdominal colic, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever and dehydration.

More susceptible are children under six and seniors but such gastrointestinal ailments are not uncommon among other age groups, the doctor said.

Clinics can see as many as five people a day suffering from any one of several such ailments such as salmonella or gastroenteritis.

The transmission of parasites can take place where people who are serving the food are also taking the money and not washing their hands, he said.

Eating street food, said Camero, is not recommended, and not just during the summer months of warmer temperatures.

He suggested people take the time to prepare their food in the home.