Sir: Food is the basic need of life and one of the most important things that are necessary for growth. Nowadays, food is becoming a major source of spreading diseases. The effect of unhygienic food is immediate and short term, such as food poisoning or a whole list of stomach, intestinal and digestion problems. Just about anything and everything that is served at roadside stalls and even smaller restaurants mostly does not have clean settings. The list of foods is endless and many commonly used things are prepared in the most unhygienic way. Stallholders and shopkeepers do not follow prescribed food hygiene rules while preparing and serving eatables and cause the spread of abdominal diseases among the people, especially children. The authorities concerned are requested to look into this serious matter. ARSALAN ASIF Karachi