Given the choice to gorge on a desi snack, the first that comes to mind is the tantalising pani puri. But in monsoon, make sure that you think twice before consuming it.
Eating out during the monsoon in unhygienic places takes a toll on health. Puddles and potholes become the breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies. In such a situation, street food including pani puri, is a strict no-no.
On Friday, this DNA correspondent visited the house of a pani puri wallah in Ghatlodia and was shocked and disgusted.
Potatoes were boiled in muddy water and flies hovered around the cooking area and the ingredients being readied for evening sale. The stuffing for the pain puris were made in these unhygienic surroundings.
When contacted, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation health department's medical officer Dr SP Kulkarni said, "In July, 22,600 kg of unhealthy, stale food, including pani puri, was destroyed by officials. As such we had no specific plan to target pani puri wallahs. But we have instructed the known pani puri vendors to wear gloves to maintain hygiene."
In the coming months, AMC officials would ensure that unhealthy food is no more sold on city streets, he added.
Here is another piece of news for the health conscious. Chaat items like sev puri or pani puri contain added artificial colours which are harmful to health. Ragda is yummy but what makes it tasty are not the edible spices but the non-edible colours! In such a situation, it becomes mandatory for the corporation to carry out a quality check on vendors.
