Mumbai: Gastro on rise, think before you have roadside nimbu pani, lolly

Water and food contamination has resulted in a spike in the number of gastroenteritis cases this summer. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) public health department official, more than 880 gastroenteritis cases were reported from March to April third week in the city.

While an inspection by the health department last month has revealed that 77 per cent of the lemon juice samples collected from across the city were contaminated, surprise raids by the Food and Drug Administration revealed that manufacturers had been using edible oil to make ice-creams.

According to the civic body's health official, carrying water bottle from home to avoiding drinking water and cold beverages from the street is the best way to dodge these diseases.

Speaking about it, Dr Padmaja Keskar, executive health officer of BMC's public health department, said, "Summer season sees a rise in the number of dehydration cases. Thus, it is advisable for citizens to carry their own water bottle while stepping out. Recently an inspection has revealed that 77 per cent of the lime juice samples collected from 24 wards were contaminated with e.coli bacteria. Thus, it is advisable to carry a water bottle than drinking roadside cold beverages or water."

Out of the 880 cases reported till April second week, around 605 cases are reported in the month of March.

Shailesh Aadhav, Joint commissioner Food (Mumbai), Food and Drug Administration, said, "People should avoid eating street side unpacked ice-cream which does not give basic information on the packaging, manufacturing of the product. In summer, the demands for ice-cream goes up. Thus, manufacturers tend to adulterate ice-creams using different ingredients to meet the demand."