Lest I sound careless about issues of health and hygiene, I agree with the concerns expressed by our honourable institutions including the courts about the health risks posed by such food. But there are two points to ponder. Is this food any more of a hazard than what is dished out in established restaurants? Have there been any studies to show that such street food is more hazardous than what is available at more respectable eateries?

I also wonder if it would not be a better idea to train and organize these vendors in the intricacies and necessities of hygiene. I am willing to wager that restaurant food is not much safer than what is available on the road side. And perhaps the reason why we do not hear too much about the carelessness in matters of hygiene at “respectable” eating places is because the ‘hoi polloi’ has access to better medical care and so it easily overcomes infections.

(To be continued)