At stations like Plaza Elíptica or Oporto, illegal street food vending is growing unchecked. Immigrants offer empanadas or potatoes without health guarantees, posing a risk to public health and unfair competition for bars and restaurants that comply with regulations. The lack of control worsens the problem.
Technology against urban food fraud 🛡️
To curb this practice, video surveillance systems with image analysis could be used to detect crowds or unauthorized stalls in real time. A municipal app where citizens can anonymously report illegal vending would also be useful. The combination of sensors in hot spots and inspection patrols coordinated by data would help reduce the problem without overburdening the police.
The menu of the day at the metro mouth 🌯
In the end, the customer risks their stomach for an empanada of mysterious origin. Sure, the vendor swears it's homemade, just like the friend of a friend who sells you a Rolex on the street. If you want surprises, buy them; if not, better a bar sandwich where at least you know the ham didn't travel in a tracksuit pocket.