As summer temperatures rise, the demand for cooling beverages has surged, leading to concerns about the sale of potentially harmful drinks. Many soda and drink vendors have been observed operating without adhering to health standards in Islamabad.
Dr. Tahira Saddique, Deputy Director of Operations at the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), highlighted that numerous beverage sellers were failing to maintain proper hygiene standards. In a recent crackdown, the IFA seized a significant quantity of defective soda bottles.
During the operation, the Food Authority team immediately destroyed 4,000 bottles and imposed hefty fines for distributing contaminated water. The soda bottles contained substandard water and ingredients, posing health risks to the public. Dr. Saddique stressed the unacceptability of selling unsafe beverages, particularly during periods of extreme heat.
Health experts have also expressed concerns over roadside vendors who often use unclean water to prepare popular refreshments like juices, lemonade, tamarind plum drink, sugarcane juice, and ice cream falooda. This practice poses a serious health hazard.
Dr. Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of an emergency ward at a hospital, warned, “One of the primary concerns is the use of raw ice by these vendors, which can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms, including potentially harmful strains like E. coli. Consumption of beverages or food items prepared with raw ice can lead to various food-borne illnesses, ranging from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.”
Dr. Sheikh emphasized that raw ice may contain contaminants such as dirt and debris from the water source, further increasing the risk of contamination.
