Avoid unhygienic food stalls to prevent diseases, say docs

LUDHIANA: Stalls selling cut fruits and juice can be seen at every nook and corner of the city

Updated At : 07:00 AM May 14, 2015 IST

<p>Cut fruits are sold everywhere in Ludhiana. A Tribune photograph</p>

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 13

Stalls selling cut fruits and juice can be seen at every nook and corner of the city. Vendors selling cut fruits can be found near busy markets, outside schools, colleges, banks, government offices, bus stand and railway station.

Though fruits are an ideal food during summer, eating cut fruits sold in unhygienic conditions means inviting trouble.

Vendors across the city are making quick bucks by selling fruits and juices without any protection from flies, insects and dust. Unmindful of the health complications that these eatables can cause, many people consume them to beat the scorching the heat.

“We are regularly doing inspection of the roadside vendors selling fruits and juices. Overripe fruits are being destroyed by the department and we also keep sensitising public regarding the ill effects of eating cut fruits and juices prepared in unhygienic conditions,” said District Health Officer Dr Abnash Kumar.

He added that the Health Department was keeping a check on the sale of unhygienic food items.

“People who don’t follow the rules can be fined. Offenders can also be booked under the Food Safety Act,” he said.

Dr Naveen Arora said, “Eating uncovered and unhygienic food sold by the roadside can lead to typhoid, cholera and gastroenteritis. Be it grown-ups or children, everyone can be affected by consumption of cut fruits sold under unhygienic conditions”.

“Intake of more fluid is recommended during summers as hydration level dips. Eating spicy, fried food and junk must be avoided. Consuming light food and greens is good for health but fruits and juices should be prepared in clean and hygienic environment and should be properly covered,” he added.

“Eating cut fruits from roadside vendors that are either not washed properly or are washed with impure water can be very harmful. I always prefer carrying my own water bottle and uncut fruits. Eating out during summers is a bad idea as it can invite diseases,” added Shallu, a city resident.