Back on the agenda after the tragedy in Ortaköy... Here are the foods you should not consume on the street!

The food poisoning incident in the Ortaköy district of Istanbul has once again led to questioning the safety of street food. Prof. Dr. Kaan Yılancıoğlu, who conducts research on psychogenetics and longevity, warned citizens about street food that lacks proper hygiene and temperature control. The expert emphasized that there are serious risks associated with such foods and listed the 10 most dangerous ones. Prof. Dr. Yılancıoğlu stated that the combination of a lack of hygiene, bacterial load, and toxins can lead to stomach ailments, infections, and even the risk of death.

10 FOODS YOU SHOULD NOT EAT ON THE STREET

Pointing out that foods not stored under proper conditions in outdoor environments pose major health dangers, Prof. Dr. Yılancıoğlu listed the greatest risks encountered with street food.

MUSSELS SOLD IN THE OPEN

Mussels stand out as one of the most dangerous foods that lead to food poisoning due to the accumulation of sand, bacteria, and heavy metals. Mussels that are taken directly from the sea and not cleaned, in particular, carry serious health risks.

KOKOREÇ AND LIVER

In foods such as kokoreç and liver served without temperature control, the risk of poisoning due to salmonella and campylobacter bacteria is quite high. It is emphasized that such products must be cooked properly.

FRUIT CUT IN THE OPEN

A lack of hygiene regarding knives and counters can lead to an increase in bacterial load, causing food poisoning. Fruits sold in the open, in particular, pose a risk if they are not stored properly.

SAUCES LEFT IN THE OPEN (MAYONNAISE, KETCHUP, YOGURT SAUCES)

Sauces left in a warm environment create an ideal environment for toxin-producing bacteria. Rapid bacterial growth begins in such foods, which can lead to health problems.

FISH SANDWICHES (BALIK-EKMEK)

Fish can cause histamine poisoning in hot weather. In fish sandwiches sold on the street, this risk increases with the combination of the fish and the air. Histamine poisoning can cause serious stomach ailments.

POTATOES AND PASTRIES FRIED ON THE STREET

Since it is unknown how many times the oil has been used, there is a risk of oxidized oil and trans fats. In such fried foods, toxins that can harm heart health and the digestive system can accumulate.

DONER KEBAB THAT IS NOT STEAMING HOT

Doner meat that has not been heated sufficiently can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli. This can lead to serious stomach ailments and even poisoning.

SANDWICHES, TOASTS, AND SALADS USING UNWASHED GREENS

In cases where the water source is not reliable, unwashed greens can carry the risk of parasites. This can lead to digestive problems and health issues.

DAIRY DESSERTS SOLD IN THE OPEN

Dairy products spoil rapidly in hot weather, which increases the risk of food poisoning. Dairy desserts sold in the open pose a danger in situations where hygiene conditions are inadequate.

SYRUPY DESSERTS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

Syrupy desserts that have been waiting outside for hours create a suitable environment for the growth of yeast and bacteria. In these desserts, bacterial growth can occur, especially in unhygienic conditions.