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Monsoon in India means not only respite from summer’s scorching heat, but also a pleasant time to be travelling. This is the main reason why many people choose to not only go for treks during this season, but also love to go for family vacations. However, monsoon is also a time when one needs to be extra-cautious about food and health while travelling, especially where both are connected. Here’s why.
The risk of consuming unsafe or contaminated water during monsoon increases manifold. During the monsoon, heavy rainfall can lead to waterlogging and contamination of water sources. If the water used for cooking, washing produce, or making ice cubes is contaminated, it can lead to illnesses like diarrhea, cholera, or typhoid. But that’s not all, since while travelling, you cannot ensure hygiene standards in your destination either.
In certain areas, hygiene standards may not be maintained, especially in street food stalls or local eateries. Improper handling of food, lack of handwashing facilities, and unsanitary conditions can contribute to the spread of pathogens. What’s more, in the monsoon season, high humidity and moisture levels can accelerate the spoilage of food. Improper storage and preservation methods can lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Video Credit: YouTube/Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana
These are just some of the main reasons why while travelling during monsoon season, you need to take extra care about food to prevent the risk of so many water and foodborne diseases. Wondering how to go about that? Here is a whole list of foods you should be avoiding while travelling in India during monsoon.
Street food
Can anybody say no to everything from noodles and chaat to chowmein and idli while travelling? It can be a challenge indeed, especially if you are travelling by train where local vendors always sell delicious food. But while delicious, street food is more susceptible to contamination, especially during the monsoon season. It's best to avoid street vendors selling foods that may not be hygienically prepared or stored.
Uncooked/Undercooked Food
Bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms grow easily during monsoons, and they especially grow quickly on raw or undercooked foods. So, avoid eating raw or partially cooked meats, seafood, and vegetables, as they may harbor harmful bacteria that could lead to food poisoning.
Salads And Cut Fruits
Raw vegetables and fruits, such as salads and cut fruits, might not be thoroughly washed and could be contaminated with bacteria or parasites. Stick to fruits you can peel yourself or cooked vegetables. What’s more, since they are raw, the chance of microbes and germs growing on them increases the longer they are exposed.
Water-Based Beverages
Drinking a nimbu pani or shikanji or any other water-based drink while travelling can be refreshing, but it has its dangers too. Avoid drinking tap water, ice cubes, and beverages prepared with tap water. Stick to bottled water or boiled/filtered water to stay safe from waterborne diseases.
Roadside Frozen Treats
Call it barf ka gola, chuski or by any other name, but roadside frozen treats can unfortunately be tainted by contaminated water. The same risk applies to roadside kulfis too. Plus, ice cream and other frozen treats from unknown or unverified vendors may not have been stored or transported safely, increasing the risk of contamination.
Seafood
Indian rains often lead to our water bodies getting more polluted than ever, and naturally then the fish and seafood sourced from these natural resources can cause foodborne diseases and severe infections too. So, be cautious with seafood, as it tends to spoil quickly in the monsoon. Only consume seafood from reputable restaurants and eateries.
Buffets
While travelling, a breakfast buffet or all-you-can-eat meals can seem like a great option considering the fact that they are budget-friendly and offer a variety of food, but buffets come with their own pitfalls. Buffets can be a breeding ground for bacteria, as food is exposed for an extended period. Opt for freshly cooked, made-to-order dishes instead.
Raw Chutneys
Of course you and everybody else loves to eat rainy day-special pakoras with an array of chutneys and sauces. But during monsoons, be wary of consuming dishes with raw chutneys and sauces, as they may contain contaminated water or raw ingredients. Buy chutneys from reliable sources or go for travel packs that are easy to carry along.
Dairy Products
Because they are mostly stored raw, milk, paneer, cheese and other such dairy products can be easily contaminated with germs and microbes during monsoon. So, aoid consuming dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, from street vendors or places with questionable hygiene practices.
Fried Snacks
We left this one last because fried snacks are the most difficult to resist while travelling during monsoon. And yet, while fried snacks are popular during monsoons, make sure to consume them when they are freshly prepared and avoid those that have been sitting out for too long.
