During the warm season, experts advise caution when purchasing street food for residents.
As the summer heat blankets Nizhny Novgorod, concerns about food safety, particularly when it comes to popular street food like shawarma, have risen. With its quick, tasty, and convenient nature, shawarma remains a favourite amongst many, even during the summer months. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the potential dangers that come with eating such food during hot weather.
Rospotrebnadzor, Russia's Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare, offers specific safety guidelines for buying shawarma in hot weather. For the most accurate and up-to-date advice, it is best to consult their official resources or contact them directly.
In general, it is essential to ensure that the street food vendor stores their ingredients and prepares the food in a way that prevents bacterial growth. This includes maintaining a proper temperature for storage and using utensils, gloves, and frequently washing hands during food preparation. The area where the food is prepared should also be clean and well-maintained.
Checking the freshness of ingredients is another critical factor, especially in hot weather when their shelf life is reduced. It is also advisable to pay attention to the cleanliness of the establishment and the appearance of its employees.
For those who still crave shawarma, it might be safer to make it at home. Specialists still recommend limiting the consumption of fatty foods, especially during hot weather. The heat makes it harder for the stomach to deal with toxins, and dangerous bacteria like E. coli and salmonella multiply rapidly in sauces, especially mayonnaise-based ones.
In Nizhny Novgorod, an examination of shawarma is being conducted on July 21, 2025, at the Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The examination involves culturing microorganisms on selective and enrichment media, and the results will be visually assessed the next day. The examination is being documented by GTRK "Nizhny Novgorod" (video).
Anna Kruglova, a bacteriologist at the bacteriological laboratory, is involved in the examination. Kirill Kontradjuk, a resident of Nizhny Novgorod, often buys shawarma during exam season due to its convenience. Employees should wear an apron, gloves, and a hairnet for hygiene purposes, as advised by Aleena Dyakova, the chief specialist-expert of the Department of Rospotrebnadzor for the Nizhny Novgorod region. It is crucial to ensure that the meat, particularly chicken, is thoroughly fried to avoid food poisoning.
Despite the potential dangers, many people still enjoy shawarma during the summer heat. When buying from a trusted stall and paying attention to its preparation quality, shawarma can be a delicious and convenient option for those on the go. Staying informed and vigilant about food safety is key to enjoying this popular street food during the hot weather months.
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