Beware of street food

Over the years, Dhaka's cuisine has garnered much attention and drawn food-lovers from all over the country to street food. I along with my family members often visit some Old Dhaka alleys to enjoy the delicious food. And our experience is usually satisfactory. However, a recent visit landed all of us in the hospital because of food poisoning. Many others have reported falling sick after consuming street food or food from different restaurants around the city. The decline in the quality of food and that of WASA's supply water is alarming.

The authorities should tighten rules and regulations for quality control and ensure that all the eateries are following them. Regular checks and unannounced visits will compel restaurants around the city to maintain good standards and ensure safe conditions. The use of harmful ingredients should be banned. And only certified ingredients and healthy animals should be used by restaurants. Also, restaurants should train their staff about health and hygiene protocols and emphasise hygienic behaviour to prevent disease or bacteria spread. Restaurants must ensure pest control in kitchens and dining areas.

The unhygienic and unhealthy food from restaurants can cause more damage than an epidemic outbreak. Therefore, those found violating the health and safety protocols should be given strict punishments and must not be allowed to conduct business as usual without changing their practices.

Badsha Faysal,

Jurain, Dhaka,

badshafaysal1998@gmail.com