• Published on: Jul 10, 2025
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

How To Prevent Food Poisoning In Monsoon

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Monsoon brings relief from the heat—but along with cool breezes and rains come increased chances of infections, especially food poisoning. The high moisture in the air creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making food more likely to spoil and cause illness.

In this article, we’ll help you understand how to stay safe with easy, practical tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

Why Is Food Poisoning So Common in Monsoon?

The damp and humid conditions during the rainy season promote bacterial and fungal growth. This contamination can easily affect the food we eat and the water we drink.

Common causes of food poisoning in monsoon include:

  • Eating contaminated street food
     

  • Drinking unfiltered or untreated water
     

  • Improper storage or refrigeration
     

  • Eating undercooked or reheated leftovers
     

Symptoms can range from mild stomach pain to vomiting, diarrhea, and fever—and can become serious if not treated on time.

How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Monsoon: Easy Tips

Let’s go step by step into what you should do (and not do) during this season to avoid foodborne illness:

1. Avoid Street Food and Raw Salads

Street vendors often use unclean water and keep food exposed to dust, flies, and pollution. In monsoon, this risk becomes even higher.

What to avoid:

  • Chaat, golgappas, sandwiches from carts
     

  • Cut fruits or raw vegetables sold outside
     

  • Juices from roadside stalls
     

Instead, eat home-cooked meals where you can control the hygiene.

2. Drink Only Boiled or Purified Water

Unfiltered water is a major cause of stomach infections during monsoon. Make sure your drinking water is:

  • Boiled for 10 minutes, or
     

  • Filtered using a RO/UV purifier, or
     

  • Packaged from a trusted brand
     

Avoid consuming water-based drinks like sherbets or ice made with unclean water.

3. Eat Fresh and Hot Food

In monsoon, bacteria multiply quickly. Avoid eating food that has been left out for hours.

Tips:

  • Eat freshly cooked meals while still warm
     

  • Avoid reheating food multiple times
     

  • Don't leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
     

4. Refrigerate Perishables Quickly

Your fridge is your best friend in this season—but only if you use it right.

Refrigeration tips:

  • Store cooked food in airtight containers
     

  • Don't keep raw meat and vegetables together
     

  • Use leftovers within 24 hours
     

  • Check for expired or spoiled food regularly
     

5. Clean Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Rainwater often brings mud and germs to fresh produce. Even greens from the market can carry bacteria and insect eggs.

Cleaning tips:

  • Wash produce thoroughly with clean water
     

  • Use salt water or vinegar soak for 10–15 minutes to disinfect
     

  • Peel fruits like mangoes and bananas before eating
     

  • Avoid leafy vegetables that are difficult to clean, like spinach and lettuce
     

6. Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene

Contamination often starts in your kitchen.

Hygiene habits to follow:

  • Wash hands before and after handling food
     

  • Keep utensils and chopping boards dry and clean
     

  • Don't let water collect on kitchen surfaces
     

  • Wash dish cloths and sponges regularly
     

Related Health Checkups to Consider

If you're experiencing stomach problems or want to monitor your digestive health during monsoon, these lab tests (available via SecondMedic powered by Thyrocare) may help:

???? Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Checks for infections or inflammation.

???? Stool Routine & Culture Test

Detects bacterial infections, parasites, or digestive disorders.

???? CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein)

Shows whether your body is fighting an infection.

???? Food Intolerance Test

For people with recurring food-related digestive issues.

All tests come with home sample collection and online report access at www.secondmedic.com.

Foods You Can Eat During Monsoon

Here are some healthy, safe food choices during the rainy season:

  • Warm soups and khichdi – light and easy to digest
     

  • Steamed vegetables – safer than raw
     

  • Ginger tea – helps digestion
     

  • Turmeric milk – natural immunity booster
     

  • Boiled eggs or well-cooked lean meat
     

Avoid oily, uncooked, or refrigerated food that’s more than a day old.

Conclusion

Monsoon brings beauty, but also bacteria. Staying safe is all about being smart with your food and water. By following simple hygiene rules and eating fresh, clean food, you can enjoy the season without worrying about stomach issues.

Be alert, eat smart, and protect your family by following these tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

Read FAQs


A. The humid, damp weather promotes bacterial and fungal growth, leading to quick food spoilage and contamination.

A. Avoid raw salads, leafy vegetables, cut fruits from outside, seafood, and fried street foods.

A. Yes, if not stored properly or left out for long, reheated food can still carry bacteria.

A. If cooked and stored properly, yes. However, improper handling can lead to infection, so be extra cautious.

A. Stay hydrated, rest, eat light food. For severe symptoms (vomiting, high fever), consult a doctor immediately.

Read Blog
Vitamin B12 Test

When to Take Vitamin B12 Test – Signs to Look For

Vitamin B12 is one of the most essential vitamins for the body. It plays a major role in making red blood cells, maintaining nerve function, and supporting brain health. Unlike other vitamins, your body cannot produce Vitamin B12 on its own. It mainly comes from animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.

In India, Vitamin B12 deficiency is very common, especially among vegetarians and vegans. Unfortunately, the symptoms are often ignored or mistaken for general tiredness or stress. This makes it important to recognize when to take a Vitamin B12 test so that treatment can start before complications arise.

 

Why is Vitamin B12 Important?

Vitamin B12 helps in:

  • Producing red blood cells
     

  • Preventing anemia
     

  • Supporting brain and memory functions
     

  • Keeping nerves healthy
     

  • Boosting energy levels
     

A deficiency can cause long-term health problems if not treated on time.

 

Key Signs You Need a Vitamin B12 Test

1. Constant Fatigue and Weakness

If you feel tired even after proper sleep, it could be due to low Vitamin B12. This happens because your body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to less oxygen supply to tissues.

2. Numbness or Tingling Sensations

Vitamin B12 supports nerve health. Deficiency can cause nerve damage, leading to tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.

3. Memory Problems and Brain Fog

Difficulty in concentrating, forgetfulness, or confusion can be early signs of low Vitamin B12 levels.

4. Mood Swings and Depression

Low Vitamin B12 affects neurotransmitters that regulate mood. You may feel anxious, irritable, or even depressed.

5. Pale or Yellowish Skin

Since B12 deficiency causes anemia, your skin may appear pale or slightly yellow.

6. Unexplained Muscle Weakness

Weak muscles and difficulty walking can also be due to prolonged deficiency.

 

Who Should Get Tested?

  • Vegetarians and vegans (as B12 mainly comes from animal foods)
     

  • People above 50 years (absorption decreases with age)
     

  • Individuals with digestive disorders like Crohn’s or celiac disease
     

  • People who have undergone gastric surgery
     

  • Those taking long-term medications like metformin or antacids
     

 

How is the Vitamin B12 Test Done?

The Vitamin B12 test is a simple blood test. A small sample is taken from your vein and analyzed in the lab. No fasting is required unless your doctor suggests additional tests along with it.

 

Can Vitamin B12 Deficiency Be Treated?

Yes. Once diagnosed, treatment can be done in three ways:

  1. Dietary changes – Eating more eggs, dairy, fish, or fortified cereals.
     

  2. Supplements – Oral Vitamin B12 tablets or capsules.
     

  3. Injections – For severe deficiency, doctors may recommend B12 injections.
     

 

Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency

  • Include B12-rich foods in your diet
     

  • If you’re vegetarian, choose fortified cereals and plant-based milk
     

  • Go for regular check-ups if you’re at risk
     

  • Discuss supplements with your doctor if needed
     

 

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 deficiency can easily be overlooked, but the symptoms often give early warnings. If you experience fatigue, numbness, mood changes, or memory issues, it may be time to book a Vitamin B12 test. Early detection ensures timely treatment and prevents long-term complications.

Don’t ignore your health—book your Vitamin B12 test today and take control of your well-being.

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