By Javiera Jeria
The sale of food without authorization on the coast raised alarm among regional authorities due to the health risks associated with its handling and conservation.
The issue gained strength after a study by the health authority carried out in the commune of El Tabo, where toxic elements were detected in strawberries dipped in chocolate, including doubts about the quality of the ingredients and storage conditions.
HEALTH RISKS
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Nutritionist and academic from the University of Los Andes, Betsabé Gajardo, explained that among the products most offered in informal commerce are strawberries with chocolate, chopped fruit, ceviches and handrolls.
“They are attractive and traditional summer foods, but their sale without adequate hygiene and refrigeration conditions constitutes a significant health risk,” he stated.
The specialist indicated that the breakdown of the cold chain and cross contamination favor the proliferation of bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli, especially in highly perishable foods.
Regarding fruits, he explained that their irregular surface makes it difficult to completely eliminate microorganisms if there is no adequate washing and disinfection.
It also warned about direct sun exposure, storage without refrigeration and handling without hand hygiene, factors that increase the likelihood of foodborne illness.
Finally, he emphasized the importance of knowing the origin and quality of the products before consuming them.
DISTRUST OF TOURISTS
During a tour of the beaches carried out by a team from Diario El Día, visitors indicated to avoid purchasing these foods.
One of them, Violeta, commented that she prefers not to buy products in the sand.
“Manipulation makes me distrustful, especially those that are uncovered. I prefer to bring fruit or buy something in established stores,” he said.
He added that the simultaneous contact with money and food raises questions about hygiene.
“I’m more into taking a little fruit or buying a cuchuflí from time to time, but not more than that. I’m very distrustful of food handled by people who also handle money,” he says.
For her part, Daniela, a resident of Coquimbo, indicated that when she buys on the beach she tries to pay attention to the preparation, although she also perceives a lack of cleanliness.
For her part, the Minister of Health (s), Alejandra Rojas, stressed the importance of purchasing food in formal commerce to reduce the risk of food-borne diseases.
“Consumption of products of unknown origin can cause poisoning due to bacterial contamination, poor handling or raw materials in poor condition,” he explained.
In this sense, the authority recommended verifying health conditions, preferring refrigerated foods and avoiding products exposed to the environment.
“Taking care of your health is a shared responsibility: choosing established places is the best way to enjoy the summer without putting your health at risk,” he added.
INSPECTIONS AND SEIZURES
The Security Directorate of the municipality of Coquimbo reported that during the season numerous unauthorized products have been removed in operations carried out together with the Navy, even with the support of drones to detect points of sale.
The maritime governor (s) Daniel Sarzosa indicated that 12 summonses have been issued for illegal marketing of food, including alcohol, cigarettes and strawberries with chocolate.
In La Serena, the director of Citizen Security, Gonzalo Arceu, pointed out that the situation has remained relatively controlled on Avenida del Mar.
“We have inspected vendors and seized cotton candy and sweets, although we have not detected strawberries with chocolate recently,” he stated.
In fact, the municipality reported the withdrawal of 20 cotton candy carried out on Friday afternoon in front of the Maritime Government.
date: 2026-02-14 23:01:00
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