Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I've really enjoyed reading all your posts and makes me nostalgic for my country (sigh).
I came to the US in 1978 when I was about 8 years old and I go back ocassionally to visit some family members. I do miss eating from street vendors (tsk tsk) especially elotes preparados (yum!), aguas frescas! Tacos from a taqueria, en fin, so many things I miss I went back in time in my mind reading about the differences between Mexico and the US. I live in Texas so not too far from the border but with work and family I hardly get down there anymore.
I'm a Texan living in Mexico and I agree, I love the taco and other stands. Some foreigners are afraid to eat the food from them but if one watches, the people running the stands are more meticulous handling food and money than in any U.S. restaurant.
I'm a Texan living in Mexico and I agree, I love the taco and other stands. Some foreigners are afraid to eat the food from them but if one watches, the people running the stands are more meticulous handling food and money than in any U.S. restaurant.
Though I understand that some people can easily become overly cautious, I think it's natural, and prudent, for people who are unfamiliar with street food vendors to approach them with caution before buying/eating anything. My experience in Mexico has been that cleanliness of the vendor equipment and personal hygiene standards of the workers are - generally - substandard and problematic as compared to similar facilities I patronize and observe in both Canada and the USA. For the most part, my impression/information is that they're mostly unregulated.
I frequent street vendors, but cautiously. If I've frequented a particular vendor over time and observe sanitary conditions and adherence to good personal hygiene standards it's easier to make a decision who to patronize or what to purchase to eat. Persons unfamiliar with them - tourists - should, I believe, stand back and satisfy themselves that it's okay.
Much of the more serious Hepatitis A and lesser GI problems patrons experience originate from the food service workers not taking care of things properly. Watch, sometimes, how a vendor may be moving back and forth, handling raw meat/food, pots, utensils, supplies, paper and coin money, coughing and/or sneezing onto the food or into his/her hands and touching food, etc. without either washing hands or surfaces or utensils.
Particulate contamination is also a problem in some areas of the country or particular locations of a street vendor. Dried sewage blowing through the air, dirt and dust in the air along busy streets, etc. People with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses are at the greatest risk. Many of the rest of us can shake-off problems or take something for the upset ... in the milder cases.
Some vendors serve-up excellent food. But looks can be deceiving. Newcomers are best served by applying caution, first. That's my opinion.
Though I understand that some people can easily become overly cautious, I think it's natural, and prudent, for people who are unfamiliar with street food vendors to approach them with caution before buying/eating anything. My experience in Mexico has been that cleanliness of the vendor equipment and personal hygiene standards of the workers are - generally - substandard and problematic as compared to similar facilities I patronize and observe in both Canada and the USA. For the most part, my impression/information is that they're mostly unregulated.
I frequent street vendors, but cautiously. If I've frequented a particular vendor over time and observe sanitary conditions and adherence to good personal hygiene standards it's easier to make a decision who to patronize or what to purchase to eat. Persons unfamiliar with them - tourists - should, I believe, stand back and satisfy themselves that it's okay.
Much of the more serious Hepatitis A and lesser GI problems patrons experience originate from the food service workers not taking care of things properly. Watch, sometimes, how a vendor may be moving back and forth, handling raw meat/food, pots, utensils, supplies, paper and coin money, coughing and/or sneezing onto the food or into his/her hands and touching food, etc. without either washing hands or surfaces or utensils.
Particulate contamination is also a problem in some areas of the country or particular locations of a street vendor. Dried sewage blowing through the air, dirt and dust in the air along busy streets, etc. People with compromised immune systems or chronic illnesses are at the greatest risk. Many of the rest of us can shake-off problems or take something for the upset ... in the milder cases.
Some vendors serve-up excellent food. But looks can be deceiving. Newcomers are best served by applying caution, first. That's my opinion.
The subject was about Mexican street vendors. They usually individually sell tacos or corn or hamburgers. Nothing like what you describe.
The vendors all wear gloves. One person wearing gloves will take money and give change and the other person who is also gloved will handle the food.
In Mexico most of the vendors are known by the neighborhood, live in the area, have been in the same place for years and if people become ill from a vendor, that vendor will go out of business. It's hardly worth taking a chance by not being hygienic.
McDonald and Burger King are regulated in the U.S. but how many people died from eating contaminated meat? Produce is regulated and how many have gotten ill or died because they are too stupid to wash their produce?
Mexican street vendors regulate themselves because if they are not careful they lose their main form of income.
I'd be more worried about Hep A from raw oysters up North. Mexicans don't eat rare, medium rare or raw meats or seafood and they wash everything.
The subject was about Mexican street vendors. They usually individually sell tacos or corn or hamburgers. Nothing like what you describe.
The vendors, many of which, prepare and sell exactly what you're talking about - and which I describe. In case I did not make the comments perfectly clear.
The vendors all wear gloves.
No they don't.
One person wearing gloves will take money and give change and the other person who is also gloved will handle the food.
That isn't the procedure followed at most of the street vendors I've patronized and observed throughout the country. The "gloves" routine has been the very small minority of instances. Rare, actually, in my travels in Mexico.
In Mexico most of the vendors are known by the neighborhood, live in the area, have been in the same place for years and if people become ill from a vendor, that vendor will go out of business. It's hardly worth taking a chance by not being hygienic.
In part, accurate. In other parts, not. It's true that some colonia residents sell food near or in front of their home, church or school. Times of day vary. Some sell things in the daylight. Some only after dark. Only on certain days. Only on the weekend. Only on feria or fiesta days. Others, particularly in tourist zones and commercial centers, are far removed from where live. Of course, this varies by village, city, state and region of the country. There's no set standards for how people prepare and sell foods.
Mexican street vendors regulate themselves ...
Yes, and therein lies a problem. Not always. But many times. Corruption and dishonesty are mainstays of the Mexican culture. It's one of the principal complaints from Mexicans about their countrymen.
I'd be more worried about Hep A from raw oysters up North. Mexicans don't eat rare, medium rare or raw meats or seafood and they wash everything.
Hepitatis A doesn't just come from eating contaminated oysters. You can learn more about the illness by searching the www. As for "they wash everything": Not true.
Can you post anything positive about Mexico?
I'm responding to comments made by others. I didn't select the timing of the topic/comment. I recall that it was your choice. I believe the country and the people can withstand the free and uncensored expression of opinions of people who visit or live there - free of sugar-coating. If they can, so can a few expats and/or other visitors. My opinions are based on extensive travel throughout the country. Are my experiences and observations exactly the same as the millions of other people who travel about the country? No. But that doesn't make them less valid. I appreciate the country - warts and all. In the same manner as I appreciate my birth country and other countires I have the privilege of visiting.
That isn't the procedure followed at most of the street vendors I've patronized and observed throughout the country. The "gloves" routine has been the very small minority of instances. Rare, actually, in my travels in Mexico.
I live in Mexico. I know how most street vendors operate from being in Mexico for 7 years. Maybe when you travel through Mexico you should select better neighborhoods that are not in the slums.
Quote:
In part, accurate. In other parts, not. It's true that some colonia residents sell food near or in front of their home, church or school. Times of day vary. Some sell things in the daylight. Some only after dark. Only on certain days. Only on the weekend. Only on feria or fiesta days. Others, particularly in tourist zones and commercial centers, are far removed from where live. Of course, this varies by village, city, state and region of the country. There's no set standards for how people prepare and sell foods.
I see the same people selling the same items everyday. I doubt you are the expert on everybody who is a street vendor in Mexico.
Quote:
Mexican street vendors regulate themselves ...
Quote:
Yes, and therein lies a problem. Not always. But many times. Corruption and dishonesty are mainstays of the Mexican culture. It's one of the principal complaints from Mexicans about their countrymen.
Yeah, there is no corruption or lack of regulations in the U.S. Nobody ever gets sick from eating food in the U.S.
Quote:
Hepatitis A doesn't just come from eating contaminated oysters. You can learn more about the illness by searching the www. As for "they wash everything": Not true.
I am familiar with Hep A, B and C. You make too many assumptions.
Quote:
Can you post anything positive about Mexico?
I think the correct answer here is, "No."
My post was in response to the person who said she/he missed the street vendors in Mexico. It didn't need your criticisms of street vendors.
The subject was about Mexican street vendors. They usually individually sell tacos or corn or hamburgers. Nothing like what you describe.
The vendors all wear gloves. One person wearing gloves will take money and give change and the other person who is also gloved will handle the food.
In Mexico most of the vendors are known by the neighborhood, live in the area, have been in the same place for years and if people become ill from a vendor, that vendor will go out of business. It's hardly worth taking a chance by not being hygienic.
McDonald and Burger King are regulated in the U.S. but how many people died from eating contaminated meat? Produce is regulated and how many have gotten ill or died because they are too stupid to wash their produce?
Mexican street vendors regulate themselves because if they are not careful they lose their main form of income.
I'd be more worried about Hep A from raw oysters up North. Mexicans don't eat rare, medium rare or raw meats or seafood and they wash everything.
Can you post anything positive about Mexico?
I agree that eating at street vendors is fun, but to deny the risks involved is simply pulling blinders over your eyes. Even the locals are wary of them. As far as Hepatitis A, according to this map File:HAV prevalence 2005.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia , it is at "Epidemic" levels in Mexico, while only at low levels in the United States.
I agree that eating at street vendors is fun, but to deny the risks involved is simply pulling blinders over your eyes. Even the locals are wary of them. As far as Hepatitis A, according to this map File:HAV prevalence 2005.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia , it is at "Epidemic" levels in Mexico, while only at low levels in the United States.
Everyone I know including Mexicans gets vaccinations. Most people become ill from bad water. The very poor are not getting Hep A from street vendors. They are getting it from contaminated water.
Now this has turned into a fear of Hep A thread. Get a vaccine or stay home and get Hep A in college like everybody else.
The subject was about Mexican street vendors. They usually individually sell tacos or corn or hamburgers. Nothing like what you describe.
The vendors all wear gloves. One person wearing gloves will take money and give change and the other person who is also gloved will handle the food.
In Mexico most of the vendors are known by the neighborhood, live in the area, have been in the same place for years and if people become ill from a vendor, that vendor will go out of business. It's hardly worth taking a chance by not being hygienic.
McDonald and Burger King are regulated in the U.S. but how many people died from eating contaminated meat? Produce is regulated and how many have gotten ill or died because they are too stupid to wash their produce?
Mexican street vendors regulate themselves because if they are not careful they lose their main form of income.
I'd be more worried about Hep A from raw oysters up North. Mexicans don't eat rare, medium rare or raw meats or seafood and they wash everything.
Can you post anything positive about Mexico?
Well, you mentioned Hep A too, if you keep that door open, don't complain when people walk through it.
Well, you mentioned Hep A too, if you keep that door open, don't complain when people walk through it.
The first mention of Hep A was by gomexico, not me. I pointed out how ridiculous and over the top that post was. My original response was that I also like the street vendors. If you girls are afraid of the food from street vendors, don't get food from one.
gomexico:
Quote:
Much of the more serious Hepatitis A and lesser GI problems patrons experience originate from the food service workers not taking care of things properly. Watch, sometimes, how a vendor may be moving back and forth, handling raw meat/food, pots, utensils, supplies, paper and coin money, coughing and/or sneezing onto the food or into his/her hands and touching food, etc. without either washing hands or surfaces or utensils.
And it goes on and on and on.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I went back in time in my mind reading about the differences between Mexico and the US. I live in Texas so not too far from the border but with work and family I hardly get down there anymore.
