Is it possible to contract food poisoning in India? There are various reasons why you could get sick. The food is usually contaminated with faecal matter. Raw vegetables are often contaminated with harmful bacteria. You may not know it, but the food safety laws in India are regulated under the Food Safety & Standards Act 2006. The law also provides penalties for unhygienic processing and distribution of food. In addition, you could be jailed for consuming harmful food.
Though Indian food isn’t as expensive as many people may think, you’ll have to eat a lot of street food in India to save money. Eating street food often increases your chances of contracting food poisoning. In fine restaurants, you’ll find better hygiene. However, be aware of the fact that food may be contaminated if it’s not cooked properly. The worst case scenario is eating meat, which is not hygienic.
Avoid eating street food wrapped in recycled paper. Although you can indulge in street food on occasion, it’s best to keep it to yourself. Carry a supply of napkins and your own container for food. Also, don’t be tempted to buy anything you won’t eat at home – it could be a recipe for disaster. And don’t forget to rinse your hands thoroughly after you eat.
If you’re planning a trip to India, it’s always a good idea to bring along some anti-malarial pills and pain-relief. However, it’s important not to be too paranoid about food safety – it’s possible to get sick in India! You can also get food poisoning from street and restaurant foods – you just need to know the symptoms.
