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We all enjoy the comfort of hot snacks and flavourful street foods during the monsoon, but how often do we stop to consider the hidden health risks on our plates?
The rainy season, while refreshing, also creates the perfect environment for the spread of disease-causing pathogens. Increased humidity and moisture in the air provide ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can easily contaminate food.
One of the most common illnesses during this season is food poisoning, which occurs after eating contaminated food or beverages. It is typically caused by harmful microorganisms or toxins entering the body through unsafe food handling or storage. Food poisoning symptoms may appear within hours or take several days to develop after eating contaminated food.
An estimated 600 million people (nearly 1 in 10) fall ill every year due to contaminated food, with 4,20,000 deaths reported annually worldwide1. Children below 5 years account for 40% of the foodborne disease burden, with approximately 125,000 deaths each year. These figures highlight the importance of year-round food safety, with even greater care needed during the monsoon season.
Let’s take a closer look at how to identify food poisoning and what symptoms to watch for.
Synopsis
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Food poisoning symptoms can differ depending on the type of contaminant causing the illness. Severity and combination of symptoms vary by individual. Common symptoms include:
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Upset stomach
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Vomiting
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Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
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Stomach pain and cramps
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Fever
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Headache
While most cases involve gastrointestinal discomfort, some forms of food poisoning can affect the nervous system, leading to more severe symptoms that may need immediate medical attention. These may include:
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Blurred or double vision
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Difficulty swallowing
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Loss of movement in limbs
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Tingling or numbness of the skin
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Changes in voice
Understanding the Causes of Food Poisoning
The primary causes of food poisoning are harmful bacteria that multiply in food that has not been handled, cooked, or stored properly. Bacteria thrive when food is:
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Not fresh
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Unwashed or unfiltered
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Touched with unclean hands or utensils
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Undercooked or left at unsafe temperatures
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Not refrigerated or frozen in time
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Other pathogens and causes include:
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Viruses
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Parasites living in the intestines
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Poisons (toxins)
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Bacteria that carry or make toxins
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Moulds creating toxins
Food Poisoning Treatments
In most cases, food poisoning treatments can be safely managed at home without the need for prescription medications. The primary goal is to support the body’s recovery process while preventing complications, particularly dehydration.
Home remedies for food poisoning include:
Stay well-hydrated: Vomiting and diarrhoea can cause fluid loss, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids. Water, herbal teas, diluted fruit juice, or coconut water can help. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are especially helpful in restoring electrolytes. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can worsen dehydration.
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Ginger: Known for its anti-nausea effects, ginger can help calm the stomach. Try sipping warm ginger tea or chewing a small piece of fresh ginger.
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Eat Light Foods: Stick to bland, easy-to-digest options like rice, boiled potatoes, bananas, toast, and crackers. Avoid spicy, fried, or dairy-heavy foods until digestion improves.
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Probiotics: Foods like yoghurt or probiotic supplements can help restore healthy gut bacteria, especially after bacterial infections.
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Rest Well: Avoid physical activity and give yourself time to recover fully before resuming normal routines.
While home remedies for food poisoning can be effective, they are not always curative. If specific bacteria or parasites are causing severe illness, medication may be required. A doctor may prescribe appropriate medication, such as paracetamol, anti-nausea drugs, antibiotics, or antiparasitics if needed. However, some anti-diarrhoeal medicines are usually avoided for certain infections, especially if there is blood in the stool.
Prevention
You can prevent food poisoning during the monsoon by following these simple strategies.
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Wash fruits and vegetables properly: Rinse all fruits, vegetables, and meats with clean water before use. Consume cut fruits and fresh juices immediately.
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Avoid unsafe food: Stay away from street food, pre-cut fruits, and bakery items prone to mould. Avoid eating cold or stale food, and eat freshly prepared meals.
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Keep the kitchen clean: Disinfect kitchen surfaces and floors regularly. Wash your utensils with warm water and cleaning supplies both before and after cooking.
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Clean and organise utensils & fridge: Wash utensils thoroughly and store them dry. Clean the refrigerator inside and out every two weeks. Don’t overcrowd it, and avoid storing spoiled or mouldy items. Wipe shelves and seals with a baking soda solution or diluted bleach to prevent mould and bacterial growth.
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Maintain personal hygiene: Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap after using the restroom, and before and after handling food. Trim your nails, tie your hair, and wear clean clothes while preparing food. Use boiled or filtered water during the monsoon.
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Cook food thoroughly: Use clean, potable water for cooking and cook food completely. Avoid raw, undercooked, or reheated street food. Steam leafy vegetables before eating.
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Store food safely: Always refrigerate leftovers promptly. Cover food well to avoid contamination. Keep raw meats and dairy separately. Reheat thoroughly before eating.
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Keep moisture away from dry goods: Store raw ingredients like grains and flour in dry areas. Buy smaller quantities to prevent spoilage due to humidity.
Conclusion
While the monsoon brings relief from the heat, it also raises the risk of foodborne illnesses like food poisoning. By staying alert, practising food safety, and following simple preventive steps at home, it’s possible to enjoy the season without falling ill.
If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t delay seeking medical care. For expert Gastroenterologist consultation or treatment, visit Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, or book an appointment online.
FAQ's
Yes, many food poisoning infections are contagious. They can spread through tiny traces of vomit or faeces, especially when hygiene is poor. These particles can remain on hands, surfaces, or food, easily infecting others.
Food poisoning can occur year-round, but the risk increases during the monsoon due to high humidity and moisture, which promote the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in food.
Symptoms can appear within a few hours to several days, depending on the type of contaminant. Most bacterial infections show signs within 6–24 hours.
Bland, easy-to-digest foods like plain rice, boiled potatoes, bananas, toast, and crackers are safest. Avoid spicy, oily, and dairy-based items until recovery.
Seek medical attention if you experience a high fever, prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, blood in the stool, or signs of severe or persistent dehydration, such as dizziness or dry mouth.
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