Hygiene Concerns Raised Over Street Vendor Water Near Monterrey Clinic 33

A citizen complaint circulating on social media has sparked concern regarding the hygiene practices of a street vendor selling hibiscus water (jamaica) near Clinic 33 of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Monterrey, Nuevo León.

Complaint Details

The complaint, initially posted on Facebook, included a video and photographs allegedly showing unsanitary conditions during the preparation of the drink. The vendor’s stand is located under a pedestrian bridge on Félix U. Gómez Avenue, near Paseo Santa Lucía, in the Centro neighborhood of Monterrey. The complainant stated she observed these conditions while attending a medical appointment.

According to the social media post, the vendor was reportedly using dirty bottles and placing ice on a tarp covered in mud.

“Today I went to my appointment at clinic 33 and when I passed by clinic 33 there under the bridge I had to notice how they prepared that Jamaican water. The blackest and most disgusting bottle, the ice covered with a tarp full of mud. Someone guide me how to get to healthcare.”

Potential Health Risks

Consuming food or beverages prepared in unsanitary conditions can pose significant health risks, including gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and food poisoning. These issues can arise from contaminated utensils, water, or ice [1].

Clinic 33 IMSS Information

Clinic Hospital General De Zona 33 is located at 64010, Centro, Monterrey, N.L. And can be reached at +52 81 8150 3132 [1]. The clinic is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering medical attention, emergency services, and laboratory studies [1].

The hospital is likewise known as HGZ 33 Félix U. Gómez and is located on Avenida Félix Uresti Gómez Y Av. Ezequiel E. Chávez S/n, Col. Obrera, Monterrey, C.p. 64010 [3]. Appointment can be made by calling 800 623 2323 or 800 681 2525 [3].

Health Authority Response

As of March 6, 2026, there have been no reports of health authorities investigating the complaint or inspecting the street vendor’s stand.

Preventative Measures

Health authorities generally advise consumers to ensure that food and drink establishments, including street stalls, maintain clean conditions, use potable water, and properly preserve food to prevent health complications.