Eating Gol Gappas in Summer Can Be Risky, Health Experts Warn After Fatal Incident

Islamabad – Health experts have warned that consuming gol gappas (pani puri) during the summer season can pose serious health risks if proper hygiene is not maintained.
The warning comes after a tragic incident reported in India’s Jharkhand state, where several villagers fell ill after eating gol gappas from a roadside vendor. According to media reports, at least 18 people were hospitalized, while a 7-year-old child died after consuming the snack.
Experts say that although gol gappas are a popular and seemingly harmless street food, the ingredients used can become dangerous if not fresh and hygienic. In particular, the flavored water used in gol gappas can harbor harmful bacteria if it is not clean or properly filtered.
They explained that bacteria multiply rapidly in hot weather, meaning even slightly contaminated water can become hazardous within a few hours.
Health specialists also pointed out that boiled potatoes and chickpeas used in the snack can spoil quickly in high temperatures if left exposed, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Additionally, concerns were raised about hygiene standards at roadside stalls, where proper food safety practices are not always followed.
Experts advised that while it is not necessary to completely avoid street food, caution is essential. Consumers should choose vendors who prepare food in front of customers, maintain cleanliness, and keep ingredients properly covered to reduce health risks.