Street food: how to choose safely

Direct answer: ICMR-NIN describes street foods as generally wholesome and fresh, but says to watch for HFSS and ultra-processed ingredients and for contamination from poor handling and hygiene. Pick busy stalls that cook to order, serve food hot, use clean utensils and keep cooked and raw food apart.

What hygiene signs should I look for?

Clean spoons and ladles for serving, handlers washing hands with soap and water, and food kept covered.

Why does hot food matter?

ICMR-NIN notes most microorganisms multiply between 5°C and 60°C, so cooked food should be kept hot (above 60°C) or cooled quickly (below 5°C).

Which items carry more risk?

ICMR-NIN lists milk products like khoa, meat, poultry and improperly stored cooked foods such as rice among foods prone to spoilage.

FAQ

Is cut fruit safe?

Choose fruit cut in front of you and kept covered.

What about water at stalls?

Prefer sealed or boiled water; ICMR-NIN suggests boiling 10–15 minutes at home.

Sources

• ICMR-NIN Expert Committee, Dietary Guidelines for Indians-2024 (DGI 2024), nin.res.in/dietaryguidelines/pdfjs/locale/DGI_2024.pdf, street foods, PDF p. 113 / printed p. 96; Guideline 12 food safety (temperatures, spoilage-prone foods, hygiene), PDF p. 95 / printed p. 78; boiling water, PDF p. 106 / printed p. 89