Monsoon foods to avoid: experts warn of increased risk of foodborne illness

The monsoon season brings relief from the intense summer heat, but the increased humidity and moisture can also create favourable conditions

The monsoon season brings relief from the intense summer heat, but the increased humidity and moisture can also create favourable conditions for the growth and spread of bacteria and fungi. As a result, food can become contaminated more easily during the rainy season, increasing the risk of stomach infections, food poisoning and other illnesses.

Medical experts advise people to take extra precautions when consuming certain foods during the monsoon season, particularly those sold in open and unhygienic environments.

Fruits and salads sold uncovered at roadside stalls, street carts and in neighbourhood markets can easily be exposed to airborne germs, dust, insects and contaminated water. During rainy weather, the risk of contamination increases because dirty rainwater and sewage can come into contact with food.

Experts recommend washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean, safe water before consumption. People should also avoid eating cut fruits and ready-to-eat salads from unhygienic roadside stalls, as they may have been exposed to harmful microorganisms for long periods.

Leafy vegetables also require special attention during the rainy season. Moisture can become trapped between the layers of leaves, allowing insects, soil particles and bacteria to remain hidden.

If these vegetables are not washed properly, the microorganisms present on their surfaces can enter the digestive system and cause illness. Leafy vegetables should therefore be cleaned thoroughly under safe running water before cooking.

The monsoon season is also associated with the breeding season of many fish and other aquatic organisms. At the same time, heavy rainfall can increase water contamination, potentially raising the risk of foodborne infections associated with seafood.

Experts advise consumers to purchase seafood from reliable sources and ensure that fish and other seafood products are fresh and properly cooked. Raw or undercooked seafood should be avoided, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.

Popular monsoon snacks such as samosas, pakoras and gol gappas may also pose health risks if prepared under unhygienic conditions. Oil that is repeatedly used for deep frying can deteriorate and may contribute to digestive problems.

Similarly, contaminated water used to prepare gol gappa water or other street-food ingredients can contain harmful bacteria and may lead to severe stomach infections.

Milk, yoghurt and cheese can spoil rapidly in hot and humid weather if they are not stored at the correct temperature. Poor refrigeration or prolonged exposure to heat can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.

Consumers should ensure that dairy products are properly refrigerated and should avoid products that appear spoiled, smell unusual or have been left outside for extended periods.

Roadside beverages may also become a source of infection during the monsoon. The ice used in such drinks may sometimes be prepared from unsafe or contaminated water.

Consuming contaminated ice or water can increase the risk of illnesses such as diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid. People are therefore advised to choose beverages prepared with clean drinking water and commercially packaged ice where possible.

Eating partially cooked meat or eggs during the monsoon can also increase the risk of food poisoning. Undercooked food may contain harmful bacteria that can enter the body and cause serious gastrointestinal infections.

Experts recommend cooking meat and eggs thoroughly and maintaining proper hygiene while preparing food. Hands, utensils, cutting boards and kitchen surfaces should also be cleaned regularly to prevent cross-contamination.

Overall, maintaining food hygiene is especially important during the monsoon season. Choosing freshly prepared food, drinking safe water, properly washing fruits and vegetables, refrigerating perishable products and thoroughly cooking meat, seafood and eggs can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during the rainy season.