The Dangers of Unhygienic Food Consumption During Ramadan and Eid: Risks and Solutions

Nowadays, the easy availability and increasing trend of using street food at cheap prices, coupled with sudden changes in meals during Eid, often come at massive costs, and many face life-threatening situations. Having experience with Eid and Ramadan duties at Loralai Civil Hospital and BMC Hospital, I have witnessed many patients with severe health risks due to the consumption of poorly handled, stored, or prepared food. This article addresses the grave consequences of unhygienic food and suggests ways to combat this growing issue.

Understanding Unhygienic Food

Unhygienic food is contaminated or mishandled at any stage of production, processing, storage, or distribution.

This may be due to:

Poor Hygiene Practices: Improper hand-washing, lack of cleanliness in cooking areas, and improper storage of food can lead to contamination by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Unsafe Water and Ingredients: Used while preparing food.

Cross-Contamination: When raw food comes in contact with ready-to-eat food, it can transfer harmful pathogens, leading to foodborne illnesses.

Risks of Consuming Unhygienic Food

Consuming unhygienic food may lead to mild gastrointestinal issues or life-threatening diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and hepatitis. Common symptoms of foodborne illnesses include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration. Vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

Addressing the Issue

Combatting the prevalence is needed at multiple levels:

Education and Awareness: Consumers should be educated about safe food practices, including proper hygiene, food storage, and cooking temperatures.

Regulation and Enforcement: Governments must enforce strict food safety regulations across the food supply chain, ensuring that businesses adhere to hygiene standards.

Training and Certification: Food handlers and vendors should receive proper training in food safety practices and obtain certification to demonstrate compliance.

Technological Solutions: Innovative technologies can empower food authorities to ensure transparency and accountability in food production and distribution.

Consumer Responsibilities

Consumers need to ensure food safety by:

Inspecting Food Outlets: Choose reputable establishments with clean and well-maintained facilities.

Checking Food Labels: Examine packaging and labels for signs of tampering or expiration dates.

Practicing Safe Food Handling: Wash hands before preparing or eating food, cook food thoroughly, and store leftovers properly.

Reporting Suspected Cases: If someone suspects food poisoning or unhygienic practices, report it to the relevant authorities.

Conclusion

Unhygienic food poses a serious threat to public health, yet with collective action and awareness, this issue can be mitigated. By advocating for better food safety practices, supporting regulations, and making informed consumer choices, we can safeguard ourselves and future generations from the dangers of unhygienic food. Let us strive for a world where every meal is not only delicious but also safe to consume, as this will decrease the burden on the health department and is necessary for the social, financial, physical, and mental well-being of people.

By: Dr. Sanaullah Barech