Baja California’s health protection agency COEPRIS (Comisión Estatal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios) trained 60 workers from 24 food establishments in San Quintín on safe supply chain practices. The training focused on proper sourcing, transportation, and storage of food products.
The program covered compliance with Mexican Official Standard NOM-201-SSA1-2015, which governs food safety for businesses that handle, store, and serve food. The standard requires that all food products be free of pathogens and toxic substances before reaching consumers.
What the Training Covered
Workers learned how to source ingredients from approved suppliers, a key requirement under NOM-201. The training also addressed correct refrigeration and transportation protocols to prevent contamination during the supply chain.
Proper storage techniques were another focus, including temperature controls and separation of raw and cooked products. These practices apply to restaurants, food stands, and any commercial kitchen operating in the San Quintín area.
San Quintín’s Growing Food Scene
San Quintín sits along the Transpeninsular Highway (Mexico 1) about 300 kilometers south of Tijuana. The region is one of Baja California’s largest agricultural zones, producing strawberries, tomatoes, and other crops for both domestic and export markets. Its coastline has also drawn increasing numbers of travelers seeking Pacific-side fishing, clamming, and surfing.
The combination of agriculture and growing tourism means more food establishments are opening to serve both local workers and visitors. COEPRIS oversight in the area addresses a practical concern: with more restaurants operating, consistent food handling standards become more important.
What NOM-201 Requires
NOM-201-SSA1-2015 sets federal rules for food service operations across Mexico. It mandates that businesses verify their suppliers hold valid health permits and that perishable goods are transported at specific temperatures. Restaurants must also maintain records of their sourcing and storage practices for inspection purposes.
COEPRIS has the authority to inspect and sanction food businesses that fail to comply. Violations can result in fines or temporary closures.
The agency’s training session in San Quintín was first reported by Ensenada.net.