The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has advised Mumbaikars to exercise caution while consuming street food, especially during the summer months.
As Mumbai faces an intense heatwave like other cities in India, the BMC has warned citizens to avoid street food to prevent various foodborne illnesses.
This advisory follows a recent tragic incident where a 19-year-old named Prathamesh Bhokse passed away after eating chicken shawarma from a local vendor in Mankhurd. Additionally, five others were hospitalized at KEM Hospital due to food poisoning from the same source.
Risks of Street Food in Summer
The high temperatures during the summer create an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and pathogens to thrive. A senior civic official said to the Free Press Journal, that ” Many people prefer to eat on the street as it is easily available. Often, street food is found to be of poor quality, stale and not properly stored. Also, due to the rising temperature in summer, the food spoils quickly. Consuming such substandard food items can lead to health problems like food poisoning. So we have issued an advisory for the citizens to create awareness.”
Steps to Prevent Foodborne Diseases
1. Maintain Hygiene: Always wash your hands before and during food preparation, and after using the toilet. Ensure all surfaces and equipment used for food preparation are cleaned and sanitized. Protect kitchen areas and food from insects, pests, and other animals.
2. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Raw food, particularly meat, poultry, and seafood, can contain dangerous microorganisms. These can be transferred to other foods during preparation and storage. Always keep raw and cooked foods separate.
3. Cook Thoroughly: Proper cooking kills almost all dangerous microorganisms. Cooking food to an internal temperature of at least 70°C significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses.
4. Use Safe Water: Ensure water used for food preparation is safe and free from harmful microorganisms and chemicals. Contaminated water can compromise food quality and lead to several diseases.
By following these precautions, Mumbaikars can enjoy safer meals and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses during the hot summer months.
