Street food in summer: Prevent food poisoning and infections with this expert checklist

Health risks of street food in summer: Street food, particularly cut fruits, chutneys, and meat-based snacks, can be deceptively unsafe if proper hygiene is ignored (Image: Pexels)

• Foodborne infections rise in India during summer heat
• Hot, freshly cooked food is safer than room temperature snacks
• Maintain hand hygiene and drink clean fluids to prevent illness

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Summer in India is synonymous with long, hot days, ice-cold drinks, and busy roadside stalls. From tangy fresh juices to cut fruits, the roadside spread is a temptation few can resist. But behind the colourful display lurks a less appetising truth: The risk of foodborne infections that increase sharply in sweltering heat.

The human digestive system is no match for the microscopic army of bacteria that thrive in heat. Salmonella and E. coli, familiar culprits of food poisoning, multiply rapidly when food is left uncovered or improperly stored.

Even dishes that appear fresh can harbour dangerous microbes, turning a tasty snack into a health nightmare. Dr Ganesh Viswanathan, Consultant, the Department of Internal Medicine, KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram, warns that high temperatures create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. He explains that street food, particularly cut fruits, chutneys, and meat-based snacks, can be deceptively unsafe if proper hygiene is ignored. “The consequences include vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and severe dehydration are common,” he tells Moneycontrol.

Also read | 5 healthy street foods that can be enjoyed by everyone, according to a top cardiologist

Health risks of street foods in summer

Dr Viswanathan lists what you should watch out for and how to prevent diseases in summer.

Hot food is safer than room temperature treats

Foods served piping hot are less likely to be contaminated. Heat kills most harmful bacteria, so prefer freshly cooked snacks over items left out in the sun.

Cut fruits should never be left uncovered

Even a slice of mango or watermelon can host thousands of bacteria if exposed to air and heat. Only buy fruits from stalls that keep them covered and refrigerated.

Fresh juices need a trusted source

Juices made with unclean water or ice are a recipe for illness. When in doubt, skip the sugar-laden refreshers and opt for sealed beverages or tender coconut water.

Also read | 10 Indian summer drinks you’d love more than matcha or iced tea

Egg and meat-based dishes demand caution

Egg or meat dishes not properly refrigerated are high-risk foods. Look for stalls that store them in coolers and serve them hot, otherwise, steer clear.

Wash hands properly before eating

A simple rinse or hand sanitiser can prevent microbes from entering your system. Street-side eating is fun, but germs travel easily from hands to mouth.

Drink plenty of clean fluids

Dehydration from diarrhoea or vomiting is a major concern. Keep hydrated with clean water, tender coconut water, or electrolyte solutions, especially for children and the elderly.

Most summer foodborne illnesses are preventable with vigilance. Recognising early symptoms and maintaining proper hygiene, Dr Viswanathan suggests, can turn a hot day’s culinary adventure into a safe, enjoyable experience.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.