Rising temperatures can make improperly prepared or poorly stored street food a serious health concern, especially for children. Popular items such as pani puri, chaat, ice cream, cut fruit and roadside juices may become contaminated when exposed to dirty water, flies, dust or unhygienic handling.
Doctors warn that consuming such food can lead to infections including typhoid, jaundice, dysentery, diarrhoea and other stomach-related illnesses.
Why the Risk Increases During Summer
Heat allows bacteria and other disease-causing organisms to multiply quickly in food and water. Street food kept uncovered for long periods or prepared with contaminated water may become unsafe even when it appears fresh.
Ice, chutneys, sauces, cut fruits and water-based snacks carry a higher risk because their ingredients may not be properly refrigerated or protected from contamination.
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Symptoms Parents Should Watch For
Children who consume contaminated food may develop stomach pain, vomiting, loose motions, weakness, fever and dehydration.
Typhoid may cause persistent fever, headache, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea. Jaundice may lead to yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, nausea and tiredness.
Parents should seek medical advice when symptoms persist or become severe rather than treating them as minor seasonal discomfort.
How to Reduce the Risk
Freshly prepared food at home, clean drinking water and properly washed fruits are safer choices. Children should avoid uncovered food, roadside ice, stale snacks and items prepared in visibly unhygienic surroundings.
Regular handwashing before meals is also essential. Drinking water should be boiled or filtered when its safety is uncertain, and cooked food should be stored in clean, covered containers.
When Medical Attention Is Needed
Repeated vomiting, persistent fever, blood in stools, reduced urination, severe weakness or signs of dehydration require prompt medical care.
Oral rehydration solution may help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, but medicines, especially antibiotics, should only be given on a doctor’s advice.
