How contaminated street juice is burdening hospitals

“Contamination also comes from dirty hands and unsafe water, leading to outbreaks of dysentery, cholera and typhoid,” she says. On reuse of plastic soda or water bottles, Nantege says: “They are hard to clean properly, allowing germs to grow and cause illness. Over time, the plastic can also break down, releasing tiny particles and chemicals into the juice that may harm your health. It is much safer to use new, food-grade containers.”

The research suggests that when drinks such as juice are prepared or handled under unhygienic conditions, they can become vehicles for disease transmission, especially in densely populated urban settings where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.