Health effects of street vended fresh cut fruits: A randomized controlled trial in Bangladesh

by F. N. U. Nahiduzzaman, Tasnim Zarin, Chandra Shaker Chouhan, Md. Zaminur Rahman, Mst. Minara Khatun, A. K. M. Anisur Rahman, Md. Ariful Islam, Md Azizul Haque

Foodborne infections, particularly from street-vended fresh-cut fruits, are a growing public health concern in urban settings of developing countries. This study evaluated the gastrointestinal effects of consuming street-vended fruits in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total of 300 participants were recruited and randomized into Treatment (n = 150) and Control (n = 150) groups. Treatment participants consumed guava, pineapple, or watermelon purchased from street vendors, while Control participants avoided street-vended fruits. Microbial analysis of fruits included total viable count (TVC), S. aureus, and E. coli. Participants recorded GI symptoms for 4 days post-intervention, with a 10-day follow-up. At least one GI symptom occurred in 41 (27.3%) treatment participants compared with 15 (10%) controls. Nausea affected 20 (13.3%) versus 2 (1.3%) participants (RR = 10, 95% CI: 2.38–42.03, p E. coli (6–10% prevalence) showed the strongest correlations with abdominal cramps, weakness, and diarrhea (ρ = 0.69–0.78, p S. aureus (20–34%) correlated primarily with weakness and abdominal cramps (ρ = 0.44–0.47, p