ISLAMABAD: Health expert warned on Thursday that it was a widespread practice among street vendors of using unclean water to prepare popular beverages such as juices, lemonade, tamarind plum drinks, sugarcane juice, and ice cream falooda, posing a serious health risk to consumers.
Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the emergency ward, said that A major issue is the use of untreated ice, which harbors harmful bacteria and various microorganisms, including E. coli.
He said that these pathogens can cause gastrointestinal illnesses upon ingestion.
Sheikh further elaborated, “Raw ice may also contain contaminants like dirt and debris from the water source, further increasing the risk of contamination.”
Consuming beverages or food items prepared with such ice can lead to food-borne illnesses, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems, children, and the elderly.
“Most roadside vendors do not use food-grade ice, which heightens health concerns,” Sheikh noted, adding, “The use of such ice can contribute to the spread of various diseases.”
While chilled beverages offer relief from dehydration during hot weather, Sheikh cautioned, “Consuming contaminated water or industrial ice in these drinks can lead to infections, resulting in conditions such as diarrhea and jaundice.”
To mitigate the risks associated with untreated ice, Sheikh emphasized the importance of preventive measures.
