Overview

A viral video on social media reveals food vendors repackaging rotten strawberries and selling them as fresh in small plastic containers. This practice is not only unethical but also presents a serious health risk. Vendors are putting public health in jeopardy by selling old, fungus-infested strawberries, and there seems to be no action taken by the FSSAI or the Food Safety Department to prevent this. Urvashi Agarwal, sharing the video on Instagram, raised her concerns over the dangerous consequences of such actions.

Health Risks of Consuming Rotten Strawberries

Sharing the video, Agarwal warned of the potential dangers of consuming these strawberries which include:

• Food poisoning with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
• Liver damage from mycotoxins
• Respiratory issues like allergies and asthma
• Fungal infections, especially for those with weakened immunity
• Gastrointestinal distress

She further questioned how these vendors are allowed to sell spoiled food so openly, pointing out that food safety should be a basic right, not a privilege.

Concerns Over Use in Street Foods

There are growing concerns that these spoiled strawberries might end up in popular street food products like milkshakes and jams. While strawberries are nutritious and delicious, consuming rotten or mouldy ones can cause serious health issues. If strawberries show signs of rot, mould, or an off-putting smell, they should be discarded immediately.

Why Rotten Strawberries Are Dangerous

Here are the key health risks of consuming spoiled strawberries:

• Food Poisoning: Spoiled strawberries can carry harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. coli, leading to food poisoning. This results in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.
• Mycotoxins from Mould: Mouldy strawberries may contain mycotoxins, toxic substances produced by certain fungi. These toxins can weaken the immune system, cause allergic reactions, and, in severe cases, damage the liver or kidneys.
• Digestive Issues: Rotten strawberries are harder to digest and can irritate the stomach lining. People with sensitive stomachs may experience bloating, gas, and discomfort.
• Allergic Reactions: Mould spores on spoiled strawberries can trigger allergic reactions, including itching, swelling, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis.

How to Stay Safe

To avoid these risks, always:

• Discard strawberries that are mushy, mouldy, or have an off smell.
• Wash strawberries thoroughly under running water to remove bacteria and pesticides.
• Store strawberries in the fridge and consume them within a few days.
• When in doubt, throw them out. It’s always better to choose fresh, healthy strawberries for your health’s sake.

Source: The Times of India