Skip the street food this monsoon: doctors warn against contaminated food and water

The rainy season is not the time to take chances with food that has been sitting outside for hours, doctors say. Humidity speeds up the growth of microorganisms, and food displayed openly at roadside stalls or kept at room temperature for long periods may become contaminated even if it smells perfectly fine.

‘Freshly prepared, home food is preferable if it is available. Avoid eating food from street vendors or food that has been lying around for some time since it is very likely to be contaminated,’ said Dr Vineet Kumar Gupta, senior consultant and unit head of gastroenterology at ShardaCare – Healthcity. Dr Vinay Bhat, associate director of internal medicine at Yashoda Medicity, gave similar advice: ‘In the rainy season, try not to consume roadside foods, open snacks, and pre-cut fruits.’

The warning follows a seasonal pattern doctors see every year: a rise in patients with vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, typhoid and hepatitis A. According to the National Centre for Disease Control, food- and water-borne diseases remain a major public health concern in India during the rainy season, when contamination of water supplies becomes more common.

Drinking water needs equal caution. Dr Gupta recommended boiled, filtered or bottled water, along with a water purifier or chlorination tablets if there is any doubt about safety. Air Cmde (Dr) Bhaskar Nandi of Sarvodaya Hospital advised avoiding ice or beverages from unsecured sources, while Dr Bhat suggested carrying water while travelling instead of relying on unknown supplies.

Doctors also flagged raw sprouts and pre-chopped fruits sold in supermarkets as risky, since warm, moist conditions allow bacteria to multiply, and recommended washing produce thoroughly, including soaking it briefly in vinegar. Anyone who does develop diarrhoea or vomiting should stay hydrated, eat light foods, and see a doctor if symptoms persist for several days or come with high fever or blood in vomit, Dr Nandi said.