70,000 Romanians are hospitalised annually with enterocolitis due to contaminated food

In summer, the risk of falling ill from spoiled food increases significantly, particularly due to fruit and vegetables left out in the sun at markets. According to national data, approximately 70,000 Romanians fall ill with enterocolitis caused by contaminated food each year.

In Buzău's markets, vegetable traders arrive at their stalls in the early hours of the morning. One of them explained: "We came in earlier. We arrive at the market at around 08:00; the produce is harvested on the same day — we go into the greenhouses from 04:00." The goods must be sold by 12:00, otherwise they risk spoiling in the heat.

The problem arises when products are left exposed to the sun for extended periods. According to Digi24 journalist Ioana Carpen, one of the main causes of enterocolitis is the improper storage of produce, which "often sits for dozens of hours in the sun and dust".

How people check the quality of produce

Shoppers say they take their own precautions before purchasing fruit and vegetables at the market:

• "First of all, I look at how they appear, and if I do buy, I start with a small quantity. Then, if I like the taste, I might spend a bit more," says one customer.
• "The idea is not to buy ones that have been sitting in the sun for too long," adds another person who came to the market in the morning.

More frequent inspections and medical warnings

Representatives of the Health Directorate have stepped up inspections, particularly in the context of the summer holidays, when the risk of enterocolitis rises — especially along the coast. The spokesperson for DSVSA Buzău, Onoriu Țăranu, warns: "Food hygiene measures are being monitored. Everyone who goes on holiday now stops at a petrol station, grabs a coffee, picks up a sandwich. Be aware that a number of irregularities are being found relating to food storage, food preparation, temperature compliance, and the storage of food products."

Infectious disease specialist Octavian Tăbăcaru outlines the specific symptoms: "In terms of symptoms, enterocolitis manifests as abdominal pain, loose or watery diarrhoea, and may also be associated with fever, dehydration, and a general deterioration in one's condition."