Street food is a cultural treasure in India. From spicy chaats to sizzling pakoras, these snacks are affordable, flavorful, and deeply rooted in everyday life. However, behind the taste lies a serious concern: food safety in India.
Shocking Hygiene Practices You Should Know
Many street vendors set up their stalls near open gutters or public urinals. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria and flies. Sadly, most sellers don’t wash their hands before preparing or serving food. They often mix ingredients while sitting on dusty pavements, where stray animals roam and filth gathers.
The Truth About Common Street Foods
Take Gobi Manchurian, for example. In some cases, vendors use cauliflower grown in septic waste. To make it worse, they skip washing the vegetable, allowing faecal matter and parasite eggs to remain in the food. This isn’t just unpleasant—it’s dangerous.
Ice is another hidden threat. Street stalls often serve drinks with ice made from unfiltered, unsafe water. There’s no way to know where it came from or how it was handled.
Fried snacks may seem safe, but vendors rarely change the cooking oil. Reusing oil repeatedly makes it toxic, increasing your risk of serious health issues.
Tea Cups and the Risk of Infection
Most tea sellers reuse the same glass cups all day. They rinse them quickly—often in dirty water—but don’t properly clean them. These cups have been in the hands (and mouths) of many, and flies commonly sit on them, carrying disease-causing germs.
How to Stay Safe While Enjoying Street Food
If you still want to enjoy Indian street food, follow these safety tips:
- Avoid stalls near drains, garbage piles, or public toilets.
- Say no to crushed ice or raw salads.
- Carry your own tea cup or bottle.
- Choose vendors who use gloves, cover their food, and maintain visible cleanliness.
Street food may be cheap and delicious, but food safety must be a priority. Always observe how your food is made. Make informed choices, because enjoying good food should never come at the cost of your health.
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