10 unhygienic street foods you must stay away from in monsoon

Moneycontrol News | July 05, 2024

Pani puri: The water used in pani puri is often easily contaminated, leading to gastrointestinal infections like E. coli and cholera. Also, vendors typically lack access to clean water and sanitary conditions

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Aloo tikki: If not prepared under  hygienic conditions, aloo tikkis can  harbor harmful bacteria, leading to  serious gastrointestinal infections and foodborne illnesses if consumed

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Chaat: Bhel puri, sev puri, papdi chaat, aloo chaat, kachori chaat... these chaats include wet ingredients like boiled potatoes and chickpeas, which can give rise to bacteria if not stored properly, leading to food poisoning

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Pakoras: These pakoras are often fried  in reused oil and can become breeding grounds for bacteria, resulting in stomach upsets and food poisoning

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Fruit chaats: 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

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Dahi bada/bhalla: Street vendors often prepare dahi bhalla in open-air conditions, using utensils that aren't properly cleaned. The yoghurt used is not always kept chilled, raising risks of bacterial contamination

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Chowomein: 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

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Kebabs: Kababs (meat) can spoil quickly in humid conditions, increasing the risk of infections such as salmonella and E. coli

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Momos: Whether vegetable or meat-filled, momos, especially those sold by street vendors, pose risks due to improper storage. This can increase chances of infections such as E. coli and salmonella

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Fruit juices/milkshakes: Fruits are often not washed properly. The juice is prepared in open-air conditions, exposing it to dust and insects. Also, questionable water quality can introduce harmful bacteria and viruses

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