SAMUEL KUTTY -
MUSCAT, MARCH 24 -
Roadside eateries, which serve food in unhygienic conditions, pose health risks. They run the business despite Sultanate’s stringent regulations and rules. Unmindful of the health risks all people, young and old, throng these outlets to taste the street flavour.
True, street food scene in Oman is nowhere near as big as in other countries in the region, but it is rapidly expanding beyond the standard falafel and shawarma sellers.
According to medical experts, unhealthy roadside food is responsible for many communicable and non-communicable diseases.
“Meat is the main culprit for food borne diseases. Vendors’ lack of adequate understanding of the basic food safety rules, unclean kitchens and raw materials all contribute to microbial contamination,” says Dr Benny Pannackal, senior cardiologist.
There are many factors influencing bacteria and toxins in food. When they are kept in the open, the chances are high.
“Carbon emissions from vehicles and dust make roadsides the worst place for cooking food,” says Dr Benny.
Chicken, used in shawarma, is more prone salmonella infections than other foodstuff.
Municipality rules stipulate that shawarma stands be kept indoors or confined to an enclosure. But the doors and windows of these enclosures are often found open allowing dust and pollutants from vehicular fumes to mix up with the food.
According to Dr Benny, another problem associated with roadside eateries is re-use of oil. This can increase cholesterol to dangerous levels.
“Oil is the prime source of free fatty acid for the human body. Due to repeated use of oil, this fatty acid becomes toxic,” he points out.
And the repeated eating of food made out of this toxic oil results in intestine complications, and can damage heart, liver and kidneys.
An official at the municipality said that food inspectors are well prepared to deal with any violations, involving food safety.
Last year, the Muscat Municipality started enforcing a ban on mishkak, a popular grilled food in Oman. The municipality’s decision has been mostly influenced by the lack of food hygiene among street vendors.
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