Stay off roads to beat heat & disease Grabbing A Drink On Roadside In Summers Can Increase Risk Of Infections

Stay off roads to beat heat & disease Grabbing A Drink On Roadside In Summers Can Increase Risk Of Infections 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 17.03.2025

Chennai : The stifling heat may tempt people to grab a glass of lemonade or seasonal fruits sold on the roadside, but in summer these carry an increased risk of viral and bacterial infections that can lead to stomach infections, including acute gastroenteritis disorders, health officials warn. 

Doctors across the city say they see cases, mostly family clusters, of hepatitis A and E, typhoid, and gastrointestinal diseases, all caused by contaminated water and food. The public health department says epidemiological data shows contaminated food and water-borne diseases increase in summer. Cut fruits, with their exposed surfaces and high sugar content, are vulnerable to growth of bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and warm weather can expedite this. 

“Fruits naturally spoil faster in hot weather. Cutting them accelerates this process, as the exposed flesh oxidises and decays,” said Dr P Sampath, joint director of public health (epidemics). “During summer, flies and other insects are more prevalent, increasing the risk of contamination. Poor hygiene practices, such as unwashed hands or unclean cutting surfaces, can also contribute to contamination,” he added. 

Summer fruits such as watermelon, pineapples, and citrus fruits are high in water content, crucial for staying hydrated. They are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and immunity, particularly important in summer. 

“It’s important for children to eat a bowl of fruits every day. We recommend people buy whole, uncut fruits,” said paediatrician Dr S Balasubramanian. “We must teach children to wash them thoroughly. It is preferable to eat fruit that is washed and cut at home. This way, you know they are clean and hygienic.” 

Food safety officials, meanwhile, are holding discussions with vendors, asking them not to use chemicals to ripen fruit. “They pack chemicals such as calcium carbide in fruit boxes to expedite ripening. We have told vendors we will destroy boxes of fruits if we find them using unsafe artificial methods,” said designated food safety officer (Chennai) Dr P Satheesh Kumar. 

Officials are also asking street food vendors to ensure they buy fresh raw material in small quantities from authorised dealers and source clean water for cooking and cleaning. “Meat and dairy should be preserved at the right temperature, cooked food must be stored in closed containers, and food handlers must follow hand hygiene practices,” said designated food safety officer (Tiruvallur) Dr Subhash Chandra Bose.

 “We also tell people to ask vendors about the source of water and hygienic practices. They can also check for FSSAI licences on food carts and inside hotels. If there are issues, people must file complaints to prevent disease outbreaks,” he said.