Think Your Food Is Safe? Doctor Lists 5 Stomach Risks from Contamination

During the rainy season, diseases spread through water rise sharply, often causing stomach problems and discomfort. Speaking during an interview with the media, Dr Saad Anwar, consultant in general surgery and gastroenterology at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kanpur, explained that dirty food handling, poor hygiene, and unsafe water allow harmful germs to grow. If these infections are ignored or untreated, they can range from minor stomach issues to life-threatening illnesses. He added that polluted food and water quietly carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites. “Even one contact with such food or water can trigger infections, especially in children with weaker immunity,” he said.

Dr. Anwar further explained how eating or drinking contaminated food and water can result in stomach infections:

Severe diarrhoea: Bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, or Shigella in unsafe food or water can lead to intense diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, and fever. In some situations, the infection may enter the blood, causing dangerous complications.

Viral gastroenteritis: Known as “stomach flu,” viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus easily spread through dirty food and water. They cause sudden nausea, watery diarrhoea, and dehydration, which is especially risky for small children.

Parasitic infections: Parasites like Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica survive in contaminated food and water. They may cause long-lasting diarrhoea, bloating, tiredness, and poor nutrition if not treated in time.

Food poisoning from toxins: Some germs produce toxins in food that is spoiled or stored badly. Eating such food can quickly cause food poisoning, bringing on diarrhoea, bloating, weakness, and malnutrition if care is not given promptly.