A popular street snack turned into a health emergency in Jharkhand’s Giridih district, where several people fell ill after eating golgappe.
The incident, which led to hospitalizations and a child’s death, has sparked renewed concern over food safety in the summer season.
According to an Indian media report, several villagers in Giridih district experienced a sudden deterioration in health after consuming golgappe from a roadside cart.
The situation escalated quickly, with 18 people being admitted to hospital for treatment.
Among those affected, a 7-year-old child tragically lost his life. The incident has deeply shocked the local community and raised serious questions about hygiene standards in street food preparation.
Why Golgappe Can Become Risky in Summer
Health experts say golgappe itself is not harmful, but the ingredients used in its preparation can become dangerous if hygiene is not maintained.
They highlight that unclean or unfiltered water used in golgappe water can carry harmful bacteria, which pose serious health risks.
Experts further explain that bacteria multiply rapidly during hot weather. Even slightly contaminated water can become unsafe within hours in summer conditions.
Food Storage and Hygiene Concerns
Health specialists also warned that boiled potatoes and chickpeas used in golgappe can spoil quickly if left exposed in high temperatures.
In summer, improper storage significantly increases the risk of food contamination.
Experts stressed that hygiene rules are crucial for vendors selling food on carts and stalls. Clean preparation areas and covered ingredients are essential to prevent contamination.
Health experts clarified that it is not necessary to completely avoid street food. However, caution is important when choosing where to eat.
They recommend selecting stalls where food is prepared in front of customers, and where cleanliness is clearly maintained throughout the process.
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