Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Monsoon Food Safety Guide: Eat And Avoid
During the monsoon season in India, health experts advise being extra careful with food and water to avoid getting sick.
Heavy rains can make water dirty and cause problems with food safety.
Experts say it's important to eat hot, freshly cooked meals and avoid raw and cold foods.
They also recommend drinking only boiled or purified water and avoiding street foods that might be contaminated.
To keep your family safe, make sure to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, store food properly, and include immunity-boosting spices in your meals.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the monsoon season without worrying about getting sick.
Heavy monsoon rains in India lead to water contamination and a surge in gastrointestinal illnesses.
Health experts advise eating hot, freshly cooked meals and avoiding raw and cold foods.
Boil or purify water and avoid roadside drinks to prevent waterborne diseases.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and opt for whole fruits with protective skins.
Follow kitchen hygiene practices, such as sanitising cooking surfaces and reheating food thoroughly, to prevent contamination.
- Who
- Health experts, municipal corporations, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- What
- Advisories on food safety during the monsoon season
- When
- June to September
- Where
- India, particularly cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai
- Why
- To prevent a surge in gastrointestinal illnesses due to compromised food and water safety during the monsoon
Health Experts
General Public
Food Safety
Health Experts
Health experts emphasize the importance of food safety during the monsoon season, advising against raw and cold foods, and promoting hot, freshly cooked meals.
General Public
Some people may find it difficult to avoid their favorite street foods and cold beverages during the monsoon.
- Peak Season for Illnesses
- June to September
- High-Risk Foods
- Raw salads, pre-cut fruits, street food with raw garnishes, and unpasteurized dairy
- Safe Foods
- Hot, freshly cooked meals, whole fruits with protective skins, and seasonal gourds
- Water Safety
- Boil or purify water, avoid roadside drinks, and store water in steel, copper, or silver vessels
- Kitchen Hygiene
- Sanitise cooking surfaces, follow the two-hour rule for leftovers, and reheat food thoroughly
- Immunity-Boosting Tips
- Incorporate spices, eat warm foods, include probiotics, and drink herbal teas