We all enjoy the soothing rhythm of rainfall during the monsoon season. In this season, we also crave a hot and tempting plate, which could cost us more than a few rupees. So, when the skies open with showers and the streets glisten, something else also begins to thrive – street food stalls. The allure of the roadside snacks becomes irresistible when you see sizzling fritters to spicy chaats. There is a dark truth behind delectable flavours and pocket-friendly prices. Monsoon and outdoor food are a hazardous combination for health.

In India, street food is beyond culinary indulgence; it’s a necessity for millions. However, the same food that fills the stomach can bring a host of waterborne and foodborne diseases when hygiene takes a hit.

Consuming street food during monsoon is riskier due to notorious flooding, stagnation, and a surge of disease outbreaks. The problem is with street vendors who operate without access to clean water, garbage disposal, or protective infrastructure. This paves the way for highly contagious, vulnerable diseases. Street food becomes hazardous to health during the monsoon due to several factors.

One main reason is the use of contaminated water, the rainwater that seeps into municipal pipelines. It contaminates the water used to wash vegetables or prepare food. The second cause is improper waste disposal. The overflowing drains and garbage waste get piled up near the food stalls, which increases the presence of bacteria and viruses.

Further, many vendors reuse oil for cooking multiple times, and this will release toxic compounds like acrylamide. Uncovered food is also equally toxic as the food is exposed to rain, dust, flies, and air pollutants. Lack of personal hygiene is also hazardous to the consumer’s health. In the absence of running water or hand-washing stations, the basic message always becomes optional rather than essential.

Consumption of street food during monsoon is hazardous as it has a high chance of resulting in many illnesses. It is not a surprise that monsoon-related illnesses multiply when consuming street food. Rainwater stagnation accelerates the spread of pathogens, and when it is combined with unhygienic food handling, it results in a spike of foodborne diseases. Typhoid is caused by contaminated water used in drinks and gravies. Cholera is linked to poor sanitation and unclean surroundings. Hepatitis A&E is spread through the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Consuming raw salads or fruits increases the risk of stomach worms and parasitic infections. Bacterial growth in poorly stored food has a high chance of causing diarrhea and food poisoning.

The truth is that consumers are well aware of these cautions. It is a behavioural issue where they prefer taste over safety. They prefer spicier and tastier food without any question. In addition, as the food is low-cost, they have low expectations. Consumers accept the questionable hygiene because of the price.

In our country, the street food culture is deeply embedded in the social life. Even when the safety is compromised, it is harder for the consumers to say no. However, avoiding street food is not the solution. If the consumers make conscious choices, the risks can be avoided. Some precautions can be taken, such as choosing vendors who maintain hygiene. Check if the food is covered, clothing is clean, and if the vendor is wearing gloves. Avoid having water-based items from outside during the monsoon. It’s best to avoid juices, chutneys, and golgappa water and ice; all these items may have contaminated water. Avoid pre-cooked or reheated dishes; always go for freshly cooked hot food. Bring your drinking water, hand wipes, and sanitizer. Importantly, avoid peak rain hours due to drainage overflow, which can lead to surface contamination.

One thing to understand is that most of the street vendors are not willfully negligent. They lack access to sanitation infrastructure and formal food safety training. The majority operate without valid licenses, and they do not know food safety protocols. However, the issue is bigger, and it is the system. There is no mandate for food audits for street food stalls. No compulsion for licensing or regulation. Street food vendors have no access to clean storage facilities. And the government interventions are inadequate. It is a long way for our country to train, equip, and monitor vendors. Banning street food during monsoon is not a solution. It only punishes the livelihood without solving the root cause.

This issue can be solved only if the consumers demand better. People who know about the issue can educate others. Cleanliness issues about the unhygienic vendors can be reported via a helpline or a portal. Support safe vendors and reward them with loyalty. The safest option is to cook street food at home.

We all should be proud of our country’s street food. It is a part of our culinary culture that brings flavour, culture, and livelihood. However, consumers should be aware of the health hazard it carries from an unhygienic vendor. The season demands caution, awareness, and hygiene-first thinking. Be mindful and informed, never fall prey to the worst of what the monsoon offers.