Paan can carry Salmonella

The Indian anytime delight and after dinner digestive, the Paan, can be a terrific source of Salmonella.

A study by researchers at the National Salmonella Centre at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Uttar Pradesh’s Izatnagar, found salmonella in Paan as well as betel leaves.

Sandeep Budhiraja, head of the department of internal medicine said,

"It is not surprising if it is found in Paan, as the shopkeepers keep the betel leaves soaked for long hours in water that may be infected."

Rajan Gupta, MD pathology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said,

"This disease is not acquired because of lack of personal hygiene but because of contamination via food or water. In India, when people go out to eat in a restaurant they drink mineral water but they never think of cleanliness when it comes to Paan.

"If everybody makes sure that what they eat is prepared in a clean place with pure hands and water then it can be easily avoided. It is best to make a Paan at home."

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A former professor of food safety and the publisher of barfblog.com, Powell is passionate about food, has five daughters, and is an OK goaltender in pickup hockey. Download Doug’s CV here. Dr. Douglas Powell editor, barfblog.com retired professor, food safety 3/289 Annerley Rd Annerley, Queensland 4103 dpowell29@gmail.com 61478222221 I am based in Brisbane, Australia, 15 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time