5 Handy Tips to prevent foodborne diseases in monsoon

Posted on: Aug 18, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

5 Handy Tips to prevent foodborne diseases in monsoon

Monsoons can inspire people to write poetry or crib about the never-ending traffic snarls or regular power cuts. But one must face a bigger challenge when it drizzles — food safety and hygiene. The increased moisture and humidity increase the hazard of food contamination, and once you fall sick due to foodborne diseases, it can even lead to hospitalisation. And that’s why health experts suggest taking all the precautions to avoid such diseases. Health insurance can come in handy in case of unexpected medical expenses due to foodborne diseases.

Why The Risk of Foodborne Diseases Increases During Monsoon?

We eagerly wait for monsoon showers for that cool respite from the summer heat. But before you start feeling the monsoon excitement and crave those street-side foods, did you know that the high humidity and increased moisture that comes with the rains can play havoc with your health? The increased moisture and humidity are conducive to the growth of fungi, mould, and bacteria, including Staphylococcus and E. coli. These microorganisms can contaminate foods if you don’t store them properly, thereby increasing the risk of foodborne diseases.

Apart from foods, you can also be vulnerable to infections and other diseases because of the fluctuations in outside temperature. To stay healthy and enjoy the rains, it is vital to improve your immunity by eating right and following food hygiene practices, and most importantly, invest in a robust individual health insurance policy.

Tips To Prevent Foodborne Diseases During Monsoon

Here are some tips on how to prevent foodborne diseases:

1. Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before consuming

The outer skin of vegetables and fruits may contain harmful bacteria and pesticides, which, if not washed properly, can make you fall sick. So, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the fruits and vegetables, particularly during monsoon, before consuming them to stay away from foodborne diseases.

2. Always consume fresh food

Freshly cooked food helps in killing microorganisms, making it safe to consume. Similarly, do not store cut fruits and vegetables as they can turn poisonous due to bacterial growth, especially during the rainy season. To avoid any health risks and improve immunity, consuming freshly cut fruits and vegetables is always recommended. Also, ensure the food is cooked properly to kill harmful bacteria or viruses that may be present in the raw food.

3. Store leftover food properly

Not everything that you have freshly cooked gets consumed. So, what do you do with the excess food? Dispose of the leftover foods for fear of getting contaminated? Not really. Store it properly to prevent the food from getting stale. Let the cooked food cool down, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Storing in airtight containers prevents the food from getting exposed to moisture from the air. The stored or leftover food should be consumed as soon as possible.

4. Consume more seasonal food

Seasonal foods are there for a reason. They provide the required amount of nutrients your body needs during each season and help boost your immunity to fight against seasonal infections and diseases. Ditch the packaged fruits and juices and include more organic and unprocessed foods in your diet to ward off foodborne diseases.

5. Always use clean water for cooking

During the monsoon, there’s a high risk of water contamination, especially when the water is stored in open containers for a long time. To avoid any diseases, you must use clean and potable water for cooking as well as drinking. Purified water will keep you safe and healthy.

Conclusion

Falling sick due to foodborne diseases during monsoon can have severe repercussions leading to hospitalisation. However, by following the above-mentioned simple tips on how to prevent foodborne diseases, you can safeguard your health and well-being and not let infections and diseases dampen the monsoon excitement. Make sure you have a comprehensive health insurance plan to protect you financially in case of hospitalisation due to foodborne diseases.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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