Stay away from these 10 unhygienic street foods in monsoon

Unhygienic street foods: During the monsoon, the streets become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses due to stagnant water, increased moisture, and lack of proper sanitation (Image: Canva)

A common but dangerous risk during the monsoon season is eating unhygienic street food. It starts with a barely noticeable cramp, which then grows, twisting and tightening until your whole abdomen feels like it's in a vice. Nausea follows, making every step a struggle. Next comes diarrhea, leaving you weak, dehydrated, and with a fever that makes your skin feel like it's on fire.

During the monsoon, the streets become a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses due to stagnant water, increased moisture, and lack of proper sanitation. This makes certain street foods particularly hazardous, as the conditions favour the rapid growth of harmful pathogens.

Why you should be cautious:

Several factors contribute to the unhygienic conditions of street food. Rainwater can mix with sewage, contaminating the water sources used in food preparation. The increased humidity and stagnant water attract flies, cockroaches, and rodents, all of which carry disease-causing bacteria.

Limited access to clean water and proper waste disposal often means vendors operate in unsanitary conditions. Additionally, many vendors lack proper facilities for handwashing, which further spreads germs and increases the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Avoid these 10 street foods during the monsoon season to keep ailments at bay:

Pani puri:  

Street foods to avoid in monsoon: Pani Puri (Image: Canva)

You might hate to hear this, but golgappa or pani puri tops our list of street foods to avoid during the monsoon. Not because it's a favourite, but because the water used in pani puri is often easily contaminated, leading to gastrointestinal infections like E. coli and cholera. Additionally, the vendors typically lack access to clean water and sanitary conditions.

Chaat:

Street foods to avoid in monsoon: Chaat (Image: Canva)

Your special chaat, bhel puri, sev puri, papdi chaat, aloo chaat, kachori chaat, from the street can pose a risk of potential illnesses. These chaats include wet ingredients like boiled potatoes and chickpeas, which can give rise to bacteria if not stored properly, potentially leading to food poisoning. Also, street vendors are notorious for their unhygienic preparations.

Aloo tikki:

Street foods to avoid in monsoon: Aloo Tikki (Image: Canva)

On a hot griddle at a street stall, aloo tikki is expertly shaped and fried to golden perfection. The savory aroma and tempting appearance may suggest a quick and tasty snack. However, the real concern lies in the risk of improper handling and storage. If not prepared under hygienic conditions, aloo tikkis can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to serious gastrointestinal infections and foodborne illnesses if consumed.

Pakoras:

Unhygienic street foods to avoid in monsoon: Pakoras (Image: Canva)

Chai and pakoras are a must-have combination for the rainy season, but not from the street. The sizzle of hot oil and the savory aroma of frying pakoras may be tempting, but avoid purchasing them from street vendors. These pakoras are often fried in reused oil and can become breeding grounds for bacteria, resulting in stomach upsets and food poisoning.

Fruit chaat:

Unhygienic street foods to avoid in monsoon: Fruit chaat (Image: Canva)

Planning to eat fruits while on a diet? Opting for street vendors may not be the best choice. Cut fruits sold on the street are often exposed to open air, attracting flies and dust that can cause infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A.

Dahi bada/bhalla:

Unhygienic street foods to avoid in monsoon: Dahi Bhalla (Image: Canva)

If you find yourself enticed by the golden crispness of street-side bhallas and the yogurt topping, it's best to take a u-turn. Street vendors often prepare dahi bhalla in open-air conditions, using utensils that may not be properly cleaned. The yoghurt used is not always kept chilled, raising the risk of bacterial contamination. This can lead to infections like listeria and gastroenteritis if consumed.

Chowmein:

Unhygienic street foods to avoid in monsoon: Chowmein (Image: Canva)

Don't be swayed by the enticing aroma of soy sauce and stir-fried vegetables rising from the large wok. While it may appear appetising, there are hidden dangers to consider. Chowmein prepared at the road-side often contains vegetables and meats that, if not washed, cooked and stored properly, can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, causing digestive issues.

Kebabs:

Unhygienic street foods to avoid in monsoon: Kebabs (Image: Canva)

The mouth-watering aroma and sight of meat cooking on a roadside grill might lure you in, promising tender, smoky delights served hot and fresh. However, beware! Kababs (meat) can spoil quickly in humid conditions, increasing the risk of infections such as salmonella and E. coli.

Momos:

Unhygienic street foods to avoid in monsoon: Momos (Image: Canva)

Indulging your everlasting love for momos at a street corner during monsoon can lead to trouble. Whether vegetable or meat-filled, momos, especially those sold by street vendors, pose risks due to improper storage, unhygienic conditions and handling. This can increase the chances of infections such as E. coli and salmonella.

Juices and milkshakes:

Unhygienic street foods to avoid in monsoon: Fruit juices and milkshakes (Image: Canva)

On the roadside, unhygienic juice preparation involves vendors handling fruits and equipment without proper sanitation. Fruits are often not adequately washed, and the juice is prepared in open-air conditions, exposing it to dust and insects. Additionally, questionable water quality can introduce harmful bacteria and viruses. These factors elevate the risk of consuming contaminated juice, potentially leading to gastrointestinal infections and diarrhoea.