Majorca Cocktail Preparation Process Revealed, Leaving British Tourists Alarmed, According to Police

Majorca Cocktail Preparation Process Revealed, Leaving British Tourists Alarmed, According to Police

In a recent development, Mallorcan authorities have issued an urgent health warning to tourists and residents about the consumption of cocktails and alcoholic beverages sold by unlicensed street vendors, particularly on beaches such as Playa de Palma and popular party areas like Ballermann.

The warning follows a police operation where a vendor was observed preparing drinks in highly unsanitary conditions, cutting fruit directly on the ground in a car park and using a plastic bag as a makeshift prep surface, with no apparent sanitation precautions. Drinks were dispensed from a large, unsterile canister into plastic cups at the point of sale.

The primary concern is the significant risk of foodborne illness due to a complete lack of hygiene controls during the preparation and serving of beverages. Consuming these drinks could expose tourists to harmful bacteria and pathogens, especially given Mallorca's hot summer climate, which accelerates bacterial growth in improperly handled food and drink.

Selling alcoholic beverages in public places without a license is illegal in Majorca, and the offending vendor was reported for administrative violations. Authorities emphasize that these vendors are neither regulated nor inspected for food safety, unlike licensed bars and restaurants.

Tourists are strongly advised to avoid purchasing any drinks from unlicensed street vendors on beaches, especially cocktails like mojitos and sangria, which have been specifically flagged as risky. Instead, opt for drinks sold in licensed establishments that are subject to health and safety inspections. Be vigilant, even if these illicit vendors appear in popular areas, as their products are not safe for consumption.

Authorities also urge both locals and visitors to inform others about these risks to prevent potential outbreaks of illness. Separately, there are ongoing warnings about leaving valuables unattended on beaches, as thefts have been reported in resorts with limited police presence.

Meanwhile, Majorca is clamping down on practices within its restaurants, including implementing a 'one bill per table' policy. The move is intended to make it simpler for restaurant staff, as allowing diners to individually pay for their share can lead to miscalculations and items not being paid for.

[1] Palma Police [2] Majorca Daily Bulletin [3] The Olive Press [4] The Local Spain [5] The Guardian

1) Travelers in Mallorca should be aware of the health risks associated with consuming drinks from unlicensed street vendors, particularly on popular beaches and party areas like Playa de Palma and Ballermann.

2) The consumption of cocktails and alcoholic beverages from unlicensed vendors could expose tourists to harmful bacteria and pathogens due to unsanitary conditions and a complete lack of hygiene controls.

3) It is important for tourists to seek out drinks sold in licensed establishments instead, as these are subject to regular health and safety inspections.

4) With summer arriving, it's also crucial to avoid leaving valuables unattended on Mallorcan beaches, as thefts have increased in resorts with limited police presence.

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