Some common foodborne illnesses that can be contracted from street food include:
Salmonella
Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly found in raw meat, poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products. When these foods are not cooked or handled properly, they can become contaminated with salmonella. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
E. coli
E. coli is a type of bacteria that can be found in undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. When street vendors do not follow proper food safety practices, E. coli can easily spread to consumers. Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Norovirus
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. Street food vendors who do not practice good hygiene can easily spread norovirus to customers. Symptoms of norovirus infection include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a virus that can be contracted through consuming contaminated food or water. Street food vendors who do not wash their hands properly or use unclean utensils can transmit hepatitis A to customers. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
Listeria
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and soft cheeses. When street food vendors do not properly store or handle these foods, they can become contaminated with listeria. Symptoms of listeriosis (the illness caused by listeria) include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can be found in the nose and on the skin of healthy individuals. When street food vendors who are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus do not wash their hands properly, they can easily transfer the bacteria to the food they handle. Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Clostridium perfringens
Clostridium perfringens is a type of bacteria that can be found in soil and the intestines of animals. When food is left at unsafe temperatures for too long, Clostridium perfringens can multiply and produce toxins that cause food poisoning. Symptoms of Clostridium perfringens infection include diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Campylobacter
Campylobacter is a type of bacteria commonly found in poultry, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. When street food vendors do not cook poultry thoroughly or practice proper food hygiene, Campylobacter can spread to consumers. Symptoms of Campylobacter infection include diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever.