Street Food Vending in Latin America 1 PRIMO

Despife occasional affempfs to repress if, street food vending in Latin America appears to be on fhe rise-encouraged by growing marginal urban populations, the unemployed status of innumerable potential sfreef vendors, lengthening commutes for workers, public demand for cheap and culturally appropriate food near workplaces, and a shortage or absence of regular establishments serving such food. Besides placing a hidden burden on public services, the generally unregulated and quasiclandestine street food industry fends to observe poor hygienic practices and fo pose significant public health problems. Within this context, Latin America’s cholera epidemics have drawn increasing attention to street food’s potential for disease transmission and have created growing support for attempts to resolve these troubles. Whaf appears needed at this point, rather than futile attempts at abolifion, is a new and more positive approach wherein countries change fheir regulations so as lo permit peaceful and constructive adaptation of street food vending to a new style of Lafin American social life. This implies legal reorganization directed at structurally developing street food vending and permitting application of measures-especially provision and use of safe water-that will foster good hygiene and safe foods. If also implies creafing programs to provide appropriate training for inspectors as well as health educafion for both vendors and consumers of street food; and if implies promoting and adopting improved methods for preparing and selling such food. There is no reason to suppose fhese measures will provide an immediate panacea for the street food vending problem; but there is good reason to think they can immensely improve the situation thaf exists today.