7 foods that can cause food poisoning during monsoon: Everyday picks that become risky when rain, heat & humidity rise

Monsoon may bring cooler weather and relief from the heat, but it can also create conditions in which food can spoil more quickly and harmful germs can spread more easily. From undercooked chicken to cut fruit and improperly stored rice, some everyday foods need a little extra attention during the rainy season.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that several foods can carry harmful bacteria, viruses or other contaminants when they are raw, undercooked, unpasteurised or handled incorrectly.

Here are seven foods to be particularly careful with during the monsoon.


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1. Chicken and other meats

Chicken and other meats can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. The risk increases when meat is undercooked or when raw meat comes into contact with ready-to-eat food.

The CDC recommends cooking meat to a safe internal temperature and preventing cross-contamination during preparation.

During the monsoon, be extra careful with cooked chicken left sitting out for long periods. If you are ordering food, make sure meat dishes arrive properly cooked and are eaten promptly.

2. Raw dough and flour

Raw flour may look harmless, but it can contain bacteria that are killed during cooking. The CDC specifically advises against eating raw dough or batter because both flour and raw eggs, when present, can carry germs that cause food poisoning.

That means sneaking a spoonful of uncooked cake batter might not be such a great idea after all.

Keep raw dough away from foods that are ready to eat and wash your hands and utensils after handling it.

3. Seafood and shellfish

Raw or undercooked fish and shellfish can contain bacteria, viruses or toxins, particularly when seafood comes from contaminated waters.

Raw seafood dishes such as sushi, oysters and certain shellfish preparations therefore require extra care. During the monsoon, choose seafood from clean, reputable sources and make sure cooked seafood is properly prepared and stored.

4. Unpasteurised milk and soft cheese

Raw or unpasteurised milk can contain harmful germs, including Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli, according to the CDC. Products made from unpasteurised milk can carry similar risks.

Soft cheeses made using raw milk can also be risky, particularly for pregnant women, older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Check the label to make sure milk and dairy products have been pasteurised.

5. Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fresh produce is an important part of a healthy diet, but it can sometimes become contaminated with germs from soil, irrigation water, animals or handling.

Leafy greens, salads and fruits that are eaten raw deserve particular attention. Wash fresh produce thoroughly under running water before eating or cutting it.

It is also worth avoiding pre-cut fruit that has been sitting unrefrigerated, particularly in warm and humid conditions.

6. Cooked rice and pasta

Leftover rice, noodles and pasta can become risky if they are left at room temperature for too long.

Certain bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, can survive in cooked foods and multiply when food is improperly stored. Reheating may not always make the food safe if toxins have already formed.

So, don't leave that plate of biryani or noodles sitting on the kitchen counter for hours. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and store them properly.

7. Deli meats and ready-to-eat salads

Pre-packed salads, coleslaw, potato salad and sliced deli meats can become contaminated during preparation, handling or storage.

The CDC also highlights the importance of keeping perishable foods refrigerated and preventing cross-contamination.

If you are buying ready-to-eat salads or sliced meats during the monsoon, check that they have been properly refrigerated and pay attention to their use-by dates.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

Food poisoning can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. Symptoms can appear within hours or may take several days, depending on the germ responsible.

Most cases improve with rest and adequate fluids. However, severe symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration or a high fever warrant medical attention.

Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems can be at greater risk of serious illness.

How to avoid food poisoning during monsoon

A few simple kitchen habits can go a long way towards reducing the risk.

• Wash your hands before preparing or eating food.
• Keep raw meat and seafood separate from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.
• Cook meat, poultry and seafood thoroughly.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating or preparing them.
• Refrigerate perishable food promptly rather than leaving it at room temperature.
• Use clean utensils and chopping boards, particularly after handling raw meat.
• Drink pasteurised milk and choose dairy products from reliable sources.
• Be cautious with street food that has been sitting uncovered or is not served hot.
• When in doubt, throw it out, especially if food smells unusual, looks spoiled or has been stored improperly.

Monsoon food safety comes down to a few simple habits

You don't need to give up your favourite foods every time the clouds roll in. The bigger issue is how food is sourced, prepared, cooked and stored.

Keeping raw and cooked foods separate, maintaining good kitchen hygiene and refrigerating leftovers promptly can make a big difference. And when you're unsure about a questionable leftover or an uncovered food item, it's usually better to skip it than risk spending the next day regretting that one bite.


Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Food safety risks can vary depending on individual circumstances, food handling and storage conditions. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of food poisoning, consult a qualified healthcare professional.