It’s difficult to resist the urge to indulge in street food, particularly during the rainy season. However, postpone as there is an increased danger of foodborne illnesses during the monsoon. These are some street meals you should steer away from during this season to keep safe and prevent the discomfort and hazards of contaminated food.
Unsanitary street food: Because of standing water, excessive wetness, and inadequate sanitation during the monsoon, the streets turn into a haven for bacteria and viruses (Image: Canva)
Eating dirty street food during the monsoon season is a frequent yet hazardous risk. A barely perceptible cramp initially appears, then increases until your entire abdomen feels like it’s in a vice. After that, nausea sets in, making movement difficult. Then follows diarrhea, which leaves you feeling weak, dehydrated, and hot to the touch with skin that feels like it’s burning.
Because of standing water, increased wetness, and poor sanitation during the monsoon, the streets turn into a haven for bacteria and viruses.
Aloo tikki
Alo tikki contains dangerous pathogens. The preparation of alo tikki in unhygienic ways, its storage, and handling of aloo tikki are worse and more risky for health.
Momos
Momos weather filled with chicken or vegetables, specifically sold by street vendors can be dangerous because of inappropriate handling, storage, and hygienic conditions.
Chaat
The chaat contain moist components like cooked potatoes and chickpeas, which, if improperly preserved, can harbor bacteria and cause food poisoning.
Pakoras
During rainy days pakoras and tea are the most important and must-have combo, but a big no from the street could be very bad health.
Dahi Bhalla
The primary ingredients of this dish are crud and yoghurt bad for health if left out for an extended period during the hot and muggy monsoon season.
Pani Puri
Usually, the water used to make pani is not filtered water because sellers don’t have access to sanitary facilities or clean water.
Chowmein
The vegetables and meats are used to cook chowmein usually not washed properly and also improperly cooked vegetables and chicken could lead to the growth of hazardous bacteria that create problems for the stomach and bad for health.
Kebabs
You might be drawn in by the alluring sight and smell of meat sizzling on a roadside grill, promising succulent, smokey treats that are delivered hot and fresh. But use caution! Meat, or kababs, can decay more quickly in humid environments, which raises the possibility of contracting illnesses like E. Coli and salmonella.
Juices and milkshakes:
Unsanitary juice preparation by roadside vendors entails unsanitary handling of fruits and equipment. Fruits are frequently not well cleaned, and the juice is made outside where it is exposed to dust and insects. Furthermore, dangerous germs and viruses might be introduced by water with questionable purity. These elements increase the possibility of ingesting tainted juice, which could result in diarrhea and gastrointestinal illnesses.
I am a dedicated student currently in my seventh semester, pursuing a degree in International Relations. Alongside my academic pursuits, I am actively engaged in the professional field as a content writer at the Rangeinn website.