There is poison in your plate. A random survey conducted by Metropolis Healthcare Ltd, India’s only multinational chain of diagnostics centre, to examine the hygiene levels of the food served on the streets of Mumbai, found that 88 per cent of it is unfit for consumption.
The quantitative bacterial analysis test, conducted between December 2009 and February 2010, at their central laboratory at Worli, and by a team of medical professionals from Metropolis by using ‘Food Pathogen Screening’ found that of the 70 street food samples tested, 61 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 survey was carried out in ubiquitous food centers across Nariman Point, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Caddle Road Dadar, Shivaji park area Ruia college, Poddar College, Matunga, Haji Ali and adjoining areas.
In the food analysis, conducted as per the guidelines of Bureau of Indian Standards and the World Health Organization, 59 samples contained Coliform count of > 105 cfu/g, while 40 samples were detected with Faecal streptococci (enterococci) bacteria thereby indicating faecal contamination of the food. Interestingly, yeasts and molds grew in 37 samples, Staphylococcus aureus grew in 14 samples and Pseudomonas aeruginosa grew in six samples.
The research team picked up food samples of sandwiches, Chinese gravy, Vada Pav, Chicken curry, Lentil curries, Sev batata puri, Falooda etc. Interestingly, the food analysis revealed that while cooked foods contained low colony counts, foods such as sandwiches were found to be very unhygienic.
Says Dr. Shamma Shetye (Head of Department Mumbai for Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Metropolis) “Mushrooming of food joints across Mumbai is raising serious concerns about food safety. The absence of proper mechanism to check hygiene practices at the eateries has become a reason for worry as unsafe food could result in serious health hazards. Food turns unsafe due to improper storage after cooking and unsafe handling. Lack of hygiene in handling such as not washing hands properly at regular intervals could contaminate any food, especially the street food. 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.”
She further pointed out that more than 90 per cent of the cases of food poisoning each year are caused by staphylococcus aureus, enterococci, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, and Entero-pathogenic Escherichia coli. These bacteria are commonly found on many raw foods. Dr Shamma 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 Shamma 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. Typical signs of food borne illness include nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. In serious cases, high fever, bloody stool, and prolonged vomiting may occur.”
Dr Shamma further points out that people affected by staphylococcus aureus bacteria show common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If neglected, the bacteria could cause dehydration, low blood pressure, in some cases blurred vision oor respiratory distress. Symptoms for food poisoning may appear from as early as two hours after eating to a few days after exposure. Cautioning the general public from consuming street food, she said bacteria in food grows faster in warmer climate, particularly during the peak of summer, causing serious health conditions such as meningitis.
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About Metropolis Healthcare Ltd.
Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. was founded by Dr. Sushil Shah in 1981. The management team includes Dr. Sushil Shah, Chairman, Dr. G. S. K Velu- Managing Director, who joined Metropolis in 1999 as an equal partner, Ms. Ameera Patel, Executive Director and CEO and Mr. Ganesan, Director, Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
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 4000 specialized tests under a single roof ranging from oncology to genetics, molecular biology and immunoassays using best-of-breed and latest diagnostic equipment.
Metropolis is a preferred referral center for more than 10000 laboratories, clinicians, hospitals and research institutions across 125 cities India. The CAP, US FDA for the SMO services, NABL accredited and ISO 15189 certified Metropolis chain of laboratories has over 350 centers and is a preferred laboratory for providing quality testing to over 50, 000 Doctors across the country. Services include Clinical Referral Laboratory (Over 4000 Tests) Hospital Laboratory Management, Preventive Health Checkups, Site Management Services, Clinical Trials.