Metropolis survey reveals 90% of Bangalore’s street food is unsafe

Bangalore: A random survey conducted by Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, India’s only multinational chain of diagnostics centers, to examine the hygiene levels of the food served on the streets of Bangalore, found that 90 per cent of it is unfit for human consumption. The pilot study was conducted to determine the microbiological profile and level of microbial contamination of the ‘ready to consume’ street food at various different locations in Bangalore.

The quantitative bacterial analysis test, conducted between October 2010 and November 2010, at their central laboratory at Bangalore, and by a team of medical professionals from Metropolis, by using ‘Food Pathogen Screening’ found that of the 50 street food samples tested, 47 were contaminated with bacteria. The food samples, measuring about 50-100 grams, were collected in separate sterile containers and transported to the laboratory on ice within one hour of collection.

The food analysis, was conducted as per the guidelines of the Bureau of Indian Standards and the World Health Organization. Food samples were collected from five different locations across Mathikere, Malleswaram swimming pool extension and north Bangalore areas which are basically commercial areas with a number of offices and schools in the vicinity. Each location was coded and each site was sampled for similar type of food product. A total of 50 samples were processed. About 100 grams of food samples were collected in sterile container and transported immediately to the laboratory. Delayed samples were refrigerated. All samples were processed as per the Standard Operative Procedures defined and plated on the appropriate media in dilutions. After the defined period of incubation, the organisms were identified and the colony count was noted. The food samples were screened for the presence of the following food borne pathogens.

1. Enteric coliforms : E.coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter. and Enterococcus
2. Enteric pathogens : Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrios
3. Food poisoning related organism : Staphylococcus aureus

The research team picked up food samples of coconut chutney, chow chow bath, bhel puri, pani puri, milk sweet, lemon rice, pulav, aloo chat, fruit chat, fruit juice with Ice etc. Interestingly, the food analysis revealed that cooked foods contained high colony counts and were found were to be very unhygienic for consumption. The study showed that more than 90% (47/50) of food that was screened were heavily contaminated with enteric bacteria. The coliforms - chiefly E.coli, was the predominant organism isolated from all types of food. Of major concern was the isolation of 2 salmonellae which are the enteric pathogens. Fruit juice with ice and pani puri were found to be the risk food items for this organism. The milk sweets were found contaminated with Staphylococcus which is known to cause food poisoning.

Says Dr. Indumathi (Head of Department for Microbiology and Serology at Gokula Metropolis Clinical Laboratory) “The risk factors for food contamination in this study were found to be the poor hygienic practice and lack of awareness among the street vendors. Since organisms such as Salmonella were isolated from certain locations, it is very important to screen for the carriers among the food handlers”.

Also adds Ms. Ameera Shah (Executive Director and CEO of Metropolis Healthcare Ltd)
“Mushrooming of food joints across Bangalore is raising serious concerns about food safety. Food poisoning is usually brought about by ingesting harmful bacteria or toxins, often from foods that were not safely handled or that spoiled without proper refrigeration here is also a need for implementation of good sanitation and licensing of street food vendors. Food turns unsafe due to improper storage after cooking and unsafe handling. Public health authorities should intensify their efforts at monitoring and educating the vendors and the public alike to ensure food safety.”

Dr. Indumati noted that bacteria such as Escherichia Coli normally inhabit the intestine of humans and it may give rise to infections in wounds, the urinary tract, biliary tract and abdominal cavity (peritonitis). The bacteria can cause neonatal meningitis, infantile gastroenteritis and hemorrhagic diarrhea. Infections with this type of bacteria pose a serious threat to public health with outbreaks arising mainly from contaminated food and water.

Explaining the consequences of consuming contaminated food, Dr Indumathi, said “Man's respiratory passages, skin and superficial wounds are common sources of staphylococcus aureus. When S. aureus is allowed to grow in foods, it can produce a toxin that causes illness. Staphylococcal food poisoning occurs most often in foods that require hand preparation, such as potato salad, ham salad and sandwich spreads. Sometimes these types of foods are left at room temperature for long periods of time, allowing the bacteria to grow and produce toxin. Diarrhoea, Dysetry and Vomiting are the most common symptoms for food contamination which last for a few days.Other infections include Thyroid which last for weeks and there is a probability of relapse of the disease.”

Cautioning the general public from street food, she said that bacteria in food grows faster in warmer climate, particularly during the peak of summer, causing serious health conditions that warrants hospitalization.


ABOUT METROPOLIS HEALTHCARE LTD.
Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. was founded by Dr. Sushil Shah in 1981. The Board of Directors includes Ms. Ameera Shah, Dr. Sushil Shah, Dr. G. S. K Velu, Mr. Ganesan and Mr. Niten Malhan.

Metropolis Healthcare is India’s only multinational chain of diagnostic centers across India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, South Africa, Bangladesh, Nepal and Mauritius. It provides around 4500 specialized tests under a single roof ranging from oncology to genetics, molecular biology and immunoassays using best-of-breed and latest diagnostic equipment. Metropolis Healthcare Ltd has also been recently voted as the sole recipient of the Frost & Sullivan - 2010 India Excellence in Healthcare Awards - Diagnostic Services Company of the Year.

Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm, has recently invested up to $85 million in Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. With 60 State – of – the - Art laboratories, Metropolis is a preferred referral center for more than 10000 laboratories, clinicians, hospitals and research institutions across 125 cities in India. The CAP, US FDA for the SMO services, NABL accredited and ISO 15189 certified Metropolis chain of laboratories has over 500 collection centers and is a preferred laboratory for providing quality testing to over 50, 000 Doctors across the country. Services include Clinical Referral Laboratory (Over 4500 Tests) Hospital Laboratory Management, Preventive Health Checkups, Home Health Services, Site Management Services and Clinical Trials.

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