Plastic surgery in Mexico vs US: Board-Certified, safe, and cost effective

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January 9, 2024

woman-marked-out-cosmetic-surgery — Together with Dr. Roberto Galaso Trujillo (Freepik)

Interest in plastic surgery shows no signs of slowing down, and it’s fueling a boom in medical tourism. Many consider “is medical tourism safe in Mexico?” and “how much does plastic surgery cost in Mexico?” as they search for a cosmetic surgeon for that “mommy makeover,” tummy tuck, or breast augmentation that is safe, affordable, and of the highest standard. We met Dr. Roberto Galaso Trujillo from the prestigious ABC Medical Center in Mexico City, who told us what you need to know to feel confident getting plastic surgery in Mexico.

Together with Dr. Roberto Galaso Trujillo

Are plastic surgeons in Mexico board certified?

A common concern is knowing what education, training, and experience you should look for to find the best plastic surgeon in Mexico for you.

“In Mexico, you have to train in general surgery for three years in order to become a plastic surgeon”, says Dr. Roberto Galaso, a smart, young, professional surgeon who runs his cosmetic and plastic surgery practice out of ABC Medical Center, CDMX, one of the most esteemed hospitals in the country. He furthered his studies in reconstructive and plastic surgery for 4 years at the Hospital Dr. Manuel Gea González, considered one of best in Latin America, under the mentorship of Dr. Fernando Ortiz Monasterio. Ortiz is himself a renowned surgeon and the first to perform cleft palate surgery and other craniofacial malformations successfully. “I also learned how to perform breast augmentation and aesthetic surgery with this doctor and witnessed the flood of international patients.” It is highly competitive to be accepted into.

After completing his 7-year training, Dr. Galaso traveled to the U.S., Turkey, Spain and Colombia to improve his expertise in breast surgery and liposculpture, which has become his specialty. In addition to training, Mexico requires a doctor’s thesis to be validated by top surgeons. Alongside this critical training – necessary for safe and successful outcomes – Dr. Galaso went on to receive his board certification from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

When exploring your options for medical tourism, researching a doctor’s training thoroughly is imperative. Double-check that a doctor is certified to practice in Mexico, like Dr. Galaso.

Is plastic surgery in Mexico safe?

Dr. Galaso tells us that attending the professional international conference circuit helps him keep abreast of the latest information and technology from other experts, as well as being able to contribute his own advancements.

Last year, at the gathering of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, aka “The Meeting”, he presented on rhinoplasty. This year’s meeting will be held in Austin in late October. He already attended the International Society of Aesthetic Surgeons conference that took place in Athens, Greece.

“And the year before that, I gave a presentation in Seoul about reconstructive jaw surgery. It’s very common to have malformations [congenital birth defects] in Mexico”. Next year in February, he will attend IMCAS – “the congress” – the most important annual gathering of aesthetic and plastic surgeons and dermatologists, to be held in Paris. “The truth is, aestheticians in Mexico have been known to administer procedures that should be done by plastic surgeons, so it’s really important to work with a board-certified doctor that absolutely knows what they’re doing,” he tells me.

Plastic surgery in Mexico vs USA: Under the right care, as safe and effective, and easier on the wallet

A common question for prospective patients is “how much does plastic surgery cost in Mexico?” as you consider where the best place is for the procedure you’re looking for. “So many people were traveling to Colombia from the US and Mexico for body contouring. It was an overlooked niche that I felt qualified to offer in Mexico.” Now, about 20% of his patients are coming from America, and of course, it’s far less expensive than in the US. The cost for a liposuction procedure, and other procedures, in Mexico is typically 20% less than the same treatment in the US, depending on the patient and personal requirements for the procedure, according to data search on Treatment Abroad.

You can benefit from the exchange rate and cost of living, but Dr. Galaso recommends not searching for a deal when researching plastic surgery in Mexico. “We offer plastic surgery packages in Mexico for international patients,” he tells me. “You’re paying a bit more, but still a lot less than in the US, for the hospital environment and the additional services.”

Why choose a hospital for cosmetic or plastic surgery in Mexico City?

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A post shared by Dr. Roberto Galaso (@drgalaso)

While considering where to get plastic surgery in Mexico, there are many factors to consider: “You need rigorous health checks, and I am careful to say yes to a patient, ” Dr. Galaso states. Naturally, peace of mind around your procedure is of utmost importance, and the environment you choose will be key. For the last four years, Dr. Galaso is proud to have been granted space for his surgery and office at ABC Medical Center, one of the most respected hospitals in Mexico. In order to practice there, a committee has to validate the doctor’s seven-year training results, and it’s a requirement to have five published peer-reviewed medical articles. Every two years, doctors will go through a further review process.

What are popular plastic surgery procedures?

Trending right now is Dr. Galaso’s specialty surgery, “body contouring,” commonly known as the “Mommy makeover.” “It’s very popular,” he tells me. But not just for moms; women who feel unhappy about having loose or lax skin are investing in this procedure for impressive and delightful results. “Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty (aka ‘the corset waist’) and breast lifts are really popular right now, as well as breast reduction and shaping.” The majority of his patients are Mexican, but he’s now seeing a rise in international clients, especially from the US.

“I’m finding men are currently looking for liposuction and facial reconstruction, like rhinoplasty. They want to look well-formed and strong, often with a six-pack!”

How does medical tourism work? What to expect before your plastic or cosmetic surgery in Mexico

Patients often don’t have a lot of time to spare when they travel to Mexico for a plastic surgery package, and often wonder when it is safe to fly after plastic surgery. “We have expert protocols around pre-operative care and post-operative recovery. We usually need 2 weeks maximum to feel confident sending patients home”, Dr. Galaso says. The International Plastic Surgery Program by Dr. Galaso offers a VIP package, where clients can stay at the nearby St Regis hotel, which includes chauffeur service from the airport to the hotel, a 24/7 butler, meals for all types of dietary requirements, nurses, therapists and follow-up appointments with Dr. Galaso. The regular package offers standard rooms at the Hyatt House hotel, which connects via a bridge to the ABC Medical Center. Transport, meals, and after are included. The only additional patient expense is the plane fare. Dr. Galaso’s team of therapists and nurses provide daily follow-up care and are mostly bilingual, and Dr. Galaso is on call and close by for any questions or needs.

He reiterates the importance of the preoperative process and much communication with the patient’s doctor, garnering a thorough preoperative analysis through examination of all medical reports. A patient typically arrives for surgery with Dr. Galaso two days prior.

Is plastic surgery in Mexico right for me?

If you’re serious about that surgery you’ve been thinking about and researching, a 2-week trip for plastic surgery in Mexico City will get you access to the cutting-edge techniques available to plastic surgeons today, as well as Dr. Galaso’s commitment to professional ethics. Far more cost-effective than the same procedure in the US, his work can change the way you see yourself.

This article is sponsored by Dr. Roberto Galaso Trujillo, an accomplished Board Certified Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon practicing in Mexico.

Disclaimer: A previous version of this article was published on November 16, 2023. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. Individuals should always consult with qualified professionals regarding medical procedures, including plastic and/or cosmetic surgery, and medical aesthetic treatments, as well as consider their jurisdiction’s applicable laws and regulations.

Henrietta Weekes is a writer, editor, actor and narrator. She divides her time between San Miguel de Allende, New York and Oxford, UK.

‘The Dude abides’: You can’t have a White Russian without Mexico’s Kahlúa

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Sandra Gancz Kahan

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January 9, 2024

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Captura de pantalla 2024-01-09 130725 — The White Russian cocktail was popularized by the movie The Big Lebowski. (Flickr)

Kahlúa, the world’s favorite coffee liqueur, has been made in Mexico since 1936 with high-quality coffee beans grown in Veracruz. Produced by the folks behind Absolut Vodka and Malibu, Kahlúa has become a fixture in bars across the globe. But don’t let its ubiquity fool you; this is no one-trick pony. Sure, it’s divine on the rocks, but its full-bodied sweet caffeine kick has inspired some of the best classic cocktails sipped around the world.

Kahlúa’s White Russian cocktail is perhaps best associated with the Coen brothers cult-classic film The Big Lebowski, released in 1998. This movie portrays a wild, whimsical world where bowling is a spiritual journey, bathrobes are a fashion statement, and the White Russian is a way of life.

In this cinematic rollercoaster, Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, a slacker of epic proportions played by Jeff Bridges, stumbles into a case of mistaken identity that propels him into a noir-inspired odyssey. In addition to the intricate plot twists, The Big Lebowski became an underground hit thanks to The Dude’s laid-back philosophy and his unwavering affection for White Russians, which he affectionately dubs “Caucasians.” As The Dude meanders through a labyrinth of absurdity and oddball characters, his consistent companion is this sweet and creamy elixir, elevating the White Russian from mere cocktail to a symbol of relaxed rebellion.

The film’s quirky charm turned sipping on a White Russian into a homage to the Dude himself. From the Lebowski Bar in Reykjavik to Le Dude in Paris, people around the world are raising a White Russian while toasting to the Dude’s nonchalant wisdom and questionable fashion choices.

Popular Kahlúa cocktails

Kahlúa has proven a popular cocktail ingredient ever since the creation of the iconic Black Russian. This classic cocktail was invented in 1949 in a hotel bar in Brussels for the American ambassador to Luxembourg — nothing Russian about that but it got its name from the vodka and the color of coffee liquor.

In 1955 the Black Russian got a run for its money when a bar in California added heavy cream to create its alter ego, the White Russian. This creamy concoction swirling with decadence enjoyed great popularity in the next couple of decades. However, nightclubs weren’t keen on making space for cartons of milk and the White Russian nearly disappeared from the cocktail scene during the 80’s — saved largely by The Dude himself a decade later.

Kahlúa has committed to sourcing 100% of its coffee from sustainable communities and paying a premium price for their beans. (Shutterstock)

The liqueur is versatile however. In 1983, when a patron asked a bartender in London for a drink to wake her up, he poured espresso, vodka and Kahlúa into a martini glass, garnished with three coffee beans and the classic Espresso Martini was born.

Not sure if you’re craving a chocolate milkshake or a piña colada? Go get yourself a Bushwacker! Invented in 1975 in the US Virgin Islands, this drink is perfect for sipping poolside at a beach resort. The frozen shake is made by combining aged rum, creme de cacao, cream of coconut, milk, Kahlúa and ice in a blender until smooth.

Can’t we just keep it simple? Of course, we can! Spike your regular cup of coffee with a shot of Kahlúa any time of the day or add some whipped cream on top for the perfect dessert drink. Then take it up a notch by adding tequila and Triple Sec and, bravo! You have a cup of what bartenders call Mexican Coffee.

Sustainable coffee and “Coffee for Good”

As well as being delicious, Kahlúa is also a force for sustainability in the coffee world. The global popularity of the bean has led to serious environmental concerns, with the rampant use of pesticides, and the poverty of growers a leading concern.

To resolve these issues, in 2016, Kahlúa took a bold step towards addressing environmental concerns and safeguarding the livelihoods of farming communities by launching its innovative “Coffee for Good” program. This initiative is providing training in sustainable agriculture techniques to achieve better forest management, improve soil fertility and restore and protect the biodiversity required for healthy crops to thrive.

“Coffee for Good” also promotes crop diversification, soil preservation and is creating a network of coffee nurseries to replace aged and diseased plants. To increase sustainability and reduce water usage, it has also provided access to clean water and sanitation by installing dry toilets and building tanks near homes to collect rainwater.

Kahlúa has committed to sourcing 100% of its coffee from sustainable communities and paying a premium price for their beans. The four benefited communities located in Veracruz are set to harvest and sell enough coffee to cover all Kahlúa’s production and will have the tools and knowledge they need to ensure a sustainable future.

So, next time you find yourself yearning for a taste of pop culture or sustainable coffee, grab a bottle of Kahlúa and channel your inner Dude. Cheers to Veracruz, The Big Lebowski, and the wild ride through cocktail history!

Sandra is a Mexican writer and translator based in San Miguel de Allende who specializes in mental health and humanitarian aid. She believes in the power of language to foster compassion and understanding across cultures. She can be reached at: [email protected]

Cartel clash in Chiapas leaves at least 20 dead according to locals

By

MND Staff

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January 9, 2024

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Chiapas displacements — Several communities in the southern state of Chiapas have been forced from their homes as cartel violence has spread across the region. (Frayba)

A clash last week between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the rival Sinaloa Cartel left at least 20 people dead in a municipality in the mountains of Chiapas, residents reported this week.

However, according to media reports, the number cannot be confirmed because neither the Army nor the National Guard have been able to enter the violence-torn area of Chicomuselo municipality.

The CJNG and bitter rivals the Sinaloa Cartel are battling for control of lucrative drug and human trafficking routes near the Guatemalan border. (Especial/Cuartoscuro)

What is known is that many residents, especially in ejidos (communal properties) like Nueva Morelia and El Limonar, have fled the region over the past few months, due to increased clashes between the two criminal groups.

The conflict is occurring in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains, near the Mexico-Guatemala border, where the groups are fighting for control of human smuggling and drug trafficking routes.

The disputes have led to a wave of forced displacements, disappearances and murders. Several communities have already been taken by one group or the other, with roadblocks and checkpoints set up to restrict people’s movement.

In a letter signed “Civil Society of the People of Chicomuselo,” residents denounced the violence and lack of response from state and security officials. Chicomuselo is a municipal seat that both groups are vying to control.

Civilians are increasingly becoming caught in the crossfire. (Toño Aguilar/Cuartoscuro)

The letter said that around 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 4, members of the CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel engaged in a confrontation that “lasted around seven hours, where the population remained in panic and anxiety, taking cover as best they could to protect their lives … Hundreds of families are frightened so much by the violence that they’ve been forced to leave.”

The letter noted that the confrontation in the mining community of Nueva Morelia left “more than 20 people dead,” including two local residents.

“Children and young people [are] trembling with fear and getting sick from living through these traumatic experiences,” the letter added, noting that most people are keeping quiet and families are not claiming their dead out of fear of reprisals.

In one community, El Limonar, “armed people from the CJNG entered to remove [people] from their homes. People fled, asking for shelter in neighboring communities, and others went toward the hills.”

The letter added: “The state has not managed to guarantee security to the people … the Army, the National Guard and the state are not fulfilling their function of guaranteeing peace and security for the people, who have demanded it so many times.”

One resident told La Jornada newspaper that there is a military presence in Frontera Comalapa, “but they don’t intervene at all.”

In some communities, people have marched in protest demanding their safety.

“The atmosphere is very tense,” said one resident, as quoted in the news magazine Proceso. “There is no longer a normal life. … There is no business, only a few stores are open and it’s all very expensive.”

With reports from Proceso and La Jornada

Got 1 min? Ancient Maya funerary urn uncovered during Maya Train work

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MND Staff

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January 9, 2024

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Urn-CornGod-INAH — Work on section 7 of the Maya Train uncovered another rare artifact dating to the Maya Classic period. (INAH/Cuartoscuro)

Archaeologists conducting salvage work along section 7 of the Maya Train discovered a funerary urn with a carved image of a corn god, as reported by the head of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) Diego Prieto Hernández.

The funerary urn “presents a very interesting image of the corn god emerging from the leaves of a cob,” Prieto said at President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s morning press conference on Monday.

A funerary urn depicting the Maya corn god. (INAH/Cuartoscuro)

According to Prieto Hernández, the urn was found near a similar vessel, which may indicate that the vessels were part of an ancient offering. Due to its typology, the clay pot has been identified as a Paaktzatz-style urn, and it contains the human remains.

On the front of the vessel is a small anthropomorphic figure made of pastillage (a decorative technique using pieces of ceramic paste) which alludes to the deity in his representation as an ear of corn in the growth stage.

Archaeologists who helped to recover the urn stated that similar images of the Maya deity have been found in figurines from the island of Jaina, in Campeche.

In addition to the depiction of the corn god, the urn has ornamentation resembling the Mayan symbol “ik,” which represents wind and divine breath. The lid of this urn features an owl, a symbol also found on the second vessel discovered in the area.

In the Classic period of Maya iconography, the owl was regarded as an ill omen and a symbol of war. This is evidenced in the Paaktzatz vessels crafted between 680 and 770 A.D. in the Río Bec region of Campeche.

Prieto said that archaeological work done through Jan. 8 on sections 5, 6 and 7 of the Maya Train has uncovered and protected 40,000 archaeological sites, some 1,000 artifacts, over 200,000 ceramic fragments, and 148 human burials.

In addition, Prieto noted various developments in Quintana Roo related to the Maya Train, like the upcoming opening of the archaeological site of the ancient city of Ichkabal, and the recovery of the ancient site of Oxtankah.

Mexico News Daily

Zócalo public square in Mexico City to be pedestrian-only

By

Cat Rainsford

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January 9, 2024

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Peatonalización Zócalo-1 — Mexico City's Zocaló square will be pedestrianized, Mayor Martí Batres announced on Monday. (Galo Cañas/Cuartoscuro)

Mexico City plans to restrict the roads surrounding the Zócalo central square to pedestrians only, to better “allow the appreciation” of the iconic plaza.

In an announcement on Monday, Mexico City Mayor Martí Batres said that the four perimeter roads around the square and sections of three roads that give access to it — 20 de Noviembre, Pino Suárez and 16 de Septiembre — would all be closed to vehicles.

Zocalo lights — The Zocaló often plays host to mass public events and celebrations. (Gobierno de la CDMX)

He said the decision would permit unobstructed pedestrian access to, and enjoyment of, the plaza, encourage sustainable mobility around the city center, and “rescue, dignify and revitalize the use of public space.”

Jesús Esteva, head of the Capital Works and Services Ministry (Sobse), said that a bidding process for the conversion work would begin in February. The project has a budget of 50 million pesos (US $2.95 million).

Esteva said the works would include installing stone paving that could withstand public events. The Zocaló often hosts major parades and live music events.. He added that two lanes would still be usable by emergency vehicles and that the roads would also stay open to cyclists.

In total, the pedestrian-only area will be 12,366 square meters, while these mixed-used areas will cover 6,352 square meters.

“What the Zócalo requires for its operation, as well as the cathedral, which has some events that require the arrival of vehicles, all of that is going to be considered,” Esteva explained.

Mobility Minister Andrés Lajous added that the Mexico City government has also sought public opinion on the pedestrianization plan since Oct. 16 via a special website to gather proposals and comments.

The Zócalo, also known as the Plaza of the Constitution, is the ceremonial heart of Mexico City. Flanked by the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the ruins of the Templo Mayor of the Mexica (Aztec) capital of Tenochtitlán, it is used for the capital’s most important public events, from presidential addresses to demonstrations, to national festivities.

With reports from Reforma

Inflation increased more than expected in December

By

MND Staff

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January 9, 2024

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Market prices — Headline and core inflation remain high, another blow to purchasing power. (Cuartoscuro)

Mexico’s annual headline inflation rate rose for a second consecutive month in December to end the year at 4.66%, the national statistics agency INEGI reported Tuesday.

An annual increase of over 10% in the cost of fruit and vegetables was the biggest driver of the increase.

The annual headline rate increased 0.34 percentage points from a 4.32% reading in November. Month-over-month inflation was 0.71%, the highest level in 17 months.

Inflation was expected to tick up in the final month of 2023, but the annual headline rate was slightly higher than anticipated. The consensus forecast of economists polled by both Reuters and Citibanamex was 4.55%.

The Bank of Mexico — which raised its benchmark interest rate to a record high of 11.25% last March and left it unchanged since then — forecast in mid December that the headline rate would average 4.4% in the final quarter of 2023.

After its governing board decided once again to maintain the 11.25% rate, the bank said Dec. 14 that its reference rate “must be maintained at its current level for some time” in order to “achieve an orderly and sustained convergence of headline inflation to the 3% target.”

Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, Bank of Mexico Governor, has indicated that lowering of the benchmark rate will be “gradual” in the continued effort to slow inflation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Despite increases to headline inflation in November and December, the rate at the end of the year was significantly lower than the 7.82% reading at the close of 2022.

The headline rate declined for nine consecutive months between February and October before that streak was broken in November.

Mexico’s core inflation rate, which excludes some volatile food and energy prices, fell for an 11th consecutive month in December to end the year at 5.09%, the lowest level since September 2021. Core inflation was 5.3% in November and 8.35% in December 2022.

Annual inflation data in detail

INEGI data showed that fruit and vegetable prices rose 11.68% compared to December 2022, driving a 5.66% rise in the cost of agricultural products. Prices for meat rose by a much more modest 0.68% in annual terms.

Jason Tuvey, deputy chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, attributed the increase in headline inflation to the “spike in agricultural prices,” noting that the inflation rate for fruit and vegetables hit a two-year high in December.

Andres Abadia, chief Latin America economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said that the “main driver” of the increase in headline inflation “was higher prices for non-processed food.”

Onion prices surged over 55% in annual terms in December, while nopales and tomatoes were almost 34% and just under 30% more expensive, respectively.

Vegetables at a market stall — Onion prices spiked 55% annually in December. (Cuartoscuro)

Processed food, beverages and tobacco were 6.25% more expensive in December than a year earlier, while prices for services rose 5.33%. The cost of air travel rose almost 16%, while tourism packages were over 6% more expensive.

The cost of goods in general, which includes processed food, beverages and tobacco, increased 4.89%. The other component of that category – non-food goods – recorded a 3.28% annual increase.

School fees rose 6.6%, while housing was 3.64% more expensive. Energy prices, including those for gasoline and electricity, increased 1.46% in annual terms in the final month of 2023.

The outlook for 2024

The increase in headline in inflation in December represented “a poor end to the year,” according to Abadia.

However, he noted that the general inflation outlook continues to improve “at the margin” and predicted that both headline and core inflation will decline consistently during the coming months.

The Bank of Mexico is forecasting that inflation will decline steadily this year. In its December monetary policy statement, the bank predicted an average headline rate of 4.3% in the first quarter, 4.1% in Q2, 3.8% in Q3 and 3.5% in Q4.

Analysts consider it likely that the bank’s board will make an initial cut to the 11.25% interest rate in the first half of 2024, if not the first quarter.

Bank of Mexico Governor Victoria Rodríguez – “central banker of the year” in the Americas in 2023, according to the British publication The Banker – said late last year that any rate cuts would be “gradual” and that the central bank “would not necessarily be looking at a cycle of continuous reductions.”

With reports from El Financiero, El Economista and Reuters

20 sickened after eating ‘poisoned’ enchiladas in Hidalgo

By

MND Staff

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January 8, 2024

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ambulance — Authorities have been unable to locate the roving vendor who sold the enchiladas. (Protección Civil via Quadratín)

Around 20 people became ill on Sunday after eating enchiladas sold by a roving street vendor in a city in northeastern Hidalgo.

Residents of Huejutla and people from the neighboring state of Veracruz reportedly experienced symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and dizziness after eating enchiladas sold by a woman in the center of the city, including at the bus station.

Many of those who fell ill soon after consuming the enchiladas had to be treated in hospital.

There were varying reports about the number of people who suffered symptoms of food poisoning, but the general consensus was about 20. Children were reportedly among those who became ill.

The Milenio newspaper reported Monday that it’s believed the enchiladas contained a “toxic substance.”

Adela Ramírez of Cerro Azul, Veracruz, told Milenio that her daughter, son-in-law and her two brothers were all in hospital.

“What I was told is that the cause [of their illness] was eating some poisoned enchiladas,” she said.

The director of the Huasteca Regional Hospital in Huejutla said in an interview that four people were being treated there and that a 24-year-old patient was in a “critical state.”

Armando Escudero said that the patients’ symptoms suggested the food poisoning may have been caused by organophosphates.

“Organophosphates are used as insecticides, medications, and nerve agents,” according to Wikipedia.

stretcher being loaded into an ambulance — Multiple people were hospitalized and one patient was reported to be in critical condition after the incident. (Leonardo Herrera/X)

Symptoms of organophosphate poisoning “include increased saliva and tear production, diarrhea, vomiting, small pupils, sweating, muscle tremors, and confusion.”

TV Azteca reported that initial clinical studies indicated that the food poisoning was caused by pesticide contamination of the enchiladas.

According to a report by the El Universal newspaper, authorities attempted to locate the woman who was selling the typical dish but had no luck. TV Azteca reported that nothing is known about the vendor.

Other popular Mexican dishes have been the cause of cases of food poisoning that have sickened a large number of people.

More than 30 people became ill after eating contaminated cochinita pibil — a marinated pork dish — at a market in Seyé, Yucatán, in 2022, while a similar number got sick after consuming bad barbacoa — a dish usually made with mutton or lamb — at a Mother’s Day event in San Sebastián Coatlán, Oaxaca, in 2019.

With reports from Milenio, El Universal, Quadratín and TV Azteca

‘Narco-blockades’ and shootouts follow arrests in Celaya

By

Cat Rainsford

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January 8, 2024

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962446_Ataque Armado Bomberos-4_impreso — Trucks were burned on the highways and fire crews attacked following the arrest of three alleged members of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel. (Diego Costa/Cuartoscuro)

Shootouts and narco-blockades using burning vehicles rocked the city of Celaya, Guanajuato on Sunday, following the arrest of three suspected members of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel (CSRL).

The arrests took place in the Laja-Bajío district on the outskirts of Celaya, during patrols by the Guanajuato Public Security Ministry (SSP). According to a ministry press release, a group of armed men in an SUV opened fire on a routine patrol, sparking a chase. Firearms, drugs and ammunition were also seized during the arrests.

Cartels blocked major roads with burning vehicles. (Dali MX/X)

Although the press release did not name the armed group involved, unofficial reports indicate that detainees included ‘El Monedas,’ a leading member of the CSRL.

Immediately after the arrests, armed clashes broke out in the communities of Santa Rosa de Lima, Pozas and San José de las Maravillas. On the Celaya-Juventino Rosas state highway, armed criminals hijacked civilian vehicles and set at least two on fire, blocking the road, as well as laying spikes to burst car tires.

Over the following hours, several cars, buses and cargo trucks were hijacked across urban Celaya and the surrounding municipalities of Juventino Rosas and Cortazar. Burning vehicles were reported on the road to San José de Guanajuato; the Celaya-Salamanca Pan-American Highway; the Cortazar-Salvatierra Highway; the Cortazar-Jaral del Progreso highway; and the Celaya-Apaseo el Grande section of the Pan-American Highway.

City firefighters attended seven vehicle fires in the communities of Plancarte, San Isidro de Trojes, Crespo 2nd District, López Portillo and Los Mezquites in Celaya, and on the Pan-American Highway. On the corner of Mutualismo and Constituyentes avenues, criminals opened fire on members of the Celaya Fire Department who were rushing to extinguish a blaze, killing firefighter Felipe Jiménez Sánchez.

Firefighter Felipe Jiménez was reportedly shot dead as he attended a burning vehicle in Celaya. (Alejandro Sánchez/X)

Despite the chaos, the SSP insisted on Sunday evening that they had managed to regain control of the situation and reopen the highways. Authorities have also deployed intensive ground and air patrols to reinforce security.

Local media continue to speculate about the identities of the three detainees. Some have claimed that the captured ‘El Monedas’ is the son or brother of José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, alias ‘El Marro,’ who led the CSRL until his arrest in August 2020.

Once a powerful oil-theft gang, the CSRL has steadily weakened over recent years, both before and after the capture of “El Marro.” However, it continues to operate in the Villagrán, Juventino Rosas, Cortazar, Apaseo el Grande and Celaya municipalities of Guanajuato, where its conflict with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) drives high levels of violence.

With reports from El Financiero and Infobae

Best vegan shopping tips from a vegan Mexican chef

By

Montserrat Castro

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January 8, 2024

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anna-pelzer-IGfIGP5ONV0-unsplash — A short, fun list of tips to shop vegan in Mexico/brands to keep an eye out for. (Unsplash)

Following a plant-based diet outside your comfort zone might be difficult. Sofia Toraño, Mexican vegan chef, gave Mexico News Daily her favorite tips for shopping vegan in Mexico. “It’s less complicated if you think about what you can eat, as opposed to what you can’t eat,” is Sofía’s rule.

Remember that pre-Columbian Mexican food was plant-based, with an incredibly rich diversity of plants, grains, seeds, and nuts. Since 2010, the cuisine in the country has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage to Humanity.

Lentil omelet. (@plantasiacafe/Instagram)

Fungi and vegetables like corn, nopales, and tomatoes can be found in most traditional Mexican cuisine dishes. Some traditional dishes and garnishes that are originally 100% plant-based include:

Most salsas of any color and texture, including mole
Chilaquiles
Rice and beans
Horchata
Nopal salad
Stuffed chiles
Quesadillas with no cheese (as found in Mexico City)

Make the most out of local markets and stores, where you can always find fresh fruits and vegetables of great quality. Grocery shopping in Mexico is extremely accessible and cheap — especially in big cities, where it’s the norm to have a grocery store or market within walking distance from your home. Having these makes vegan shopping much more amiable, according to Sofía.

“When I became a vegan — which happens to most people who switch into a plant-based diet — I encountered a whole world I didn’t know existed. You find more vegetables than you used to eat, and once you start treating them like the main protagonist of your diet, a whole world of possibilities opens up before you, and you make the most out of all the flavors, colors, and textures available in plants,” she reveals.

Mushrooms and other fungi are great for replacing textures and can be cooked in an infinite amount of ways. (@wearelosloosers/Instagram)

Ingredient Staples:

Chickpeas, beans and lentils: Your base. These foods are high in protein, iron, and other minerals.

Fungi: In Mexico, there are around 200 species of edible fungi. Sofia thinks they are the “future” of sustainable nutrition. They need very little dirt and resources to grow and are extremely nutritious, delicious, and versatile. Mushrooms and other fungi are great for replacing textures and can be cooked in an infinite amount of ways (vapor, sealed, boiled, baked, etc). They are also part of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage and a staple in both vegan and non-vegan Mexican cuisine.

Tofu: It can be found anywhere and in all its variety of textures and displays. It’s made out of soy, is high in protein, and is very healthy. Different tofu textures can be used for different things, which comes in useful when using it to replace animal foods.

Nooch (nutritional yeast): Don’t be set off by its name: Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast that comes out of different fermented plants, like corn. It has a cheesy quality to it and is a delicious condiment that adds flavor and texture to any dish.

Brands to look out for in your grocery stores:

Tofutti: Great sour cream and cream cheese.
Goodcatch: Pre-prepared vegan seafood packages, such as salmon burgers and fish fingers.
Vio Life & Q Veggie: Great plant-based cheese brands.
Heura: Spanish meat substitutes, such as chicken and sausages made out of soy.

Read labels carefully. Keep in mind that animal products are still used as stabilizers, conservatives, thickeners, etc. in plenty of Mexican processed foods. A lot of the time they are hidden and used in non-intuitive places. For example:

Grenetina, gelatine: a protein extracted from animal bones.
- Substitute: ‘Agar-agar,’ a gelling agent made out of red algae.
Albúmina: a protein that can be found in egg whites and milk and is a word uncommonly used to refer to egg whites in products.

Keep an eye out for our next article on Sofia’s favorite quick vegan recipes, using these ingredients and tips.

If you live in or visit Mexico City, visit her favorite vegan restaurants:

Paxil Seafood: A small street food stand serving vegan seafood. @paxil.plantbasedseafood Colonia Roma Norte.

Plantasia: Plant-based dishes inspired by oriental flavors from Japan, China, Thailand and Indonesia. @plantasiacafe Colonia Roma Norte.

Los Loosers: The first mushroom-forward, plant-based restaurant in Mexico. Since 2011. @wearelosloosers Colonia Roma Norte.

Vegan Ramen Mei: Plant-based ramen. @veganramenmei Condesa.

Miga Vegana: Vegan sourdough bakery. @miga.vegana Roma Sur.

Goys Burgers: Plant-based burgers. Can also be found in Guadalajara. @goysburgers Polanco, Hipódromo Condesa, and Nápoles.

Montserrat Castro Gómez is a freelance writer and translator from Querétaro, México.

6 dead, 13 injured after gunmen open fire at Guerrero cockfight

By

MND Staff

-

January 8, 2024

0

Pelea de Gallos-3.jpg — The massacre took place during a cockfight in the coastal town of Petatlán.(Diego Simón Sánchez/Cuartoscuro)

Gunmen killed six people and wounded 13 others when they opened fire at a cockfight in Guerrero on Saturday night, state authorities said.

Presumed members of one criminal group attacked alleged members of another at a cockpit in the coastal municipality of Petatlán, according to a statement issued Sunday by the Guerrero Attorney General’s Office (FGE).

Footage of the scene showed the extent of the gruesome massacre. (Screen capture)

The number of fatalities and injuries were revised from an initial report of five deaths and at least 20 people wounded.

Citing initial investigations, the FGE said that presumed members of a criminal group led by a “generator of violence” identified as “El Gavilán” (The Sparrowhawk) fired at members of a crime gang led by “El Ruso de Petatlán” (The Russian of Petatlán).

It said that the two groups are involved in a turf war for control of the Costa Grande region of Guerrero. Reports suggest that the two groups are in fact factions of the same criminal organization.

El Gavilán is Edilberto Bravo Barragán, a former leader of the Knights Templar Cartel who formed a criminal group called Guardia Guerrerense, according to a report by the news outlet Infobae.

Petatlán, on the Guerrero coast between Zihuatanejo and Acapulco, has been the site of recent conflict between cartels. (Soy Zanca)

El Ruso is Oliver Sánchez Coria, identified as Bravo’s brother in law, Infobae said. He was reported as dead in May 2022, apparently as the result of a gunshot wound he received at a clandestine cockfight in Zihuatanejo. However, it was subsequently reported that he wasn’t the man who died.

Citing “unofficial versions” of events, Infobae said that the feud between El Gavilán and El Ruso is related to their desire to gain absolute control over the Guardia Guerrerense, which is reportedly an ally of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

The FGE said that an investigation would continue until there is “total clarification” regarding what happened at the Petatlán cockpit and the perpetrators of the crime have been brought to justice.

It has been a violent start to the year in Guerrero, which recorded the seventh highest number of homicides among Mexico’s 32 federal entities in the first 11 months of last year.

At least five people were killed in an attack in the municipality of Heliodoro Castillo last Thursday, while three sisters were murdered in Chilapa on Saturday. Initial reports said that as many as 30 people were killed in Heliodoro Castillo, located in central Guerrero.

With reports from El País, Aristegui Noticias and Infobae