A recent study has revealed alarming levels of harmful bacteria in popular street foods sold across Dhaka, although most people consuming these street foods are not falling ill.

The groundbreaking study was led by Dr. Md. Latiful Bari, chief scientist and head of the Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Research Laboratory at the Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences of the University of Dhaka, the nation's premier institute of learning. 

The bacteria identified are known to cause various gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea. Yet the study found that out of every 10,000 consumers, only two fell ill due to E. coli, four due to Salmonella, and only one had Vibrio.

Despite the high levels of contamination, the research noted that most people consuming these street foods are not falling ill. The reasons for this remain unknown.

Titled ‘Prevalence of Microbial Hazards in Street Food and Ready-to-Eat Salad Items in Restaurants and Their Probable Risk Analysis’, the research project has been funded by the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA).  

So as expected, the researchers found excessive amounts of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella spp., and Vibrio spp. in items such as chotpoti, chickpea mix, sandwiches, sugarcane juice, aloe vera juice, and mixed salads.

Dr Bari's team examined 450 samples from 37 zones within Dhaka North and South City Corporations. The results were disclosed at a seminar held on Sunday morning.

Dr. Bari attributed the contamination to factors such as polluted water, dirty towels, unclean hands, and dusty environments. He pointed out the vendors' lack of knowledge about health and sanitation as a significant contributor to the problem.

Dr. Bari emphasized the need for regular monitoring and training for street food vendors to ensure food safety. "Improving the hygiene practices of vendors and conducting daily checks are essential steps towards making street food safer for the public," he said.