Authorities in Puebla are investigating a disturbing case of food contamination after seven children were poisoned by tamales purchased from a street vendor in Huauchinango. The incident, reported on February 17, left a 10-year-old girl hospitalized after testing positive for fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.
According to state officials, the girl remains under medical care at the General Hospital, while the other six children—aged between 2 and 11—have been released after receiving treatment. Their symptoms prompted immediate toxicological testing, which confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the girl’s system.
The Puebla prosecutor’s office has opened a formal investigation to determine how the food became contaminated. Authorities are focusing on the street vendor’s supply chain and preparation methods, seeking to establish whether the contamination was accidental or deliberate. The case has raised alarm among residents and health officials, given the extreme potency of fentanyl and its rare appearance in food-related poisonings.
Local media reported that the tamales were purchased from a vendor operating in a public area, underscoring the risks of unregulated street food in vulnerable communities. The prosecutor’s office has pledged to pursue all leads to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents.
This case highlights growing concerns in Mexico about the spread of fentanyl, which has been linked to rising overdose deaths in recent years. While most cases involve illicit drug use, the contamination of food consumed by children represents a new and deeply troubling development.
The community of Huauchinango remains on edge as authorities continue their investigation, with parents calling for stricter oversight of street vendors and stronger measures to protect children from exposure to dangerous substances.
Source: El PaÃs
