When traveling, choosing the right Food To Eat is crucial for staying healthy. Contaminated food or drinks can lead to traveler’s diarrhea and other illnesses that can disrupt your trip. By incorporating safer eating and drinking habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Cold food should be served cold, and hot food should be served piping hot. When choosing food from a buffet or salad bar, ensure hot food is steaming and cold food is chilled. Harmful bacteria thrive in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.
Dry foods like potato chips and those in factory-sealed containers, such as canned tuna or packaged crackers, are generally safe choices for travelers as bacteria require moisture to grow. Ensure sealed containers haven’t been opened or tampered with. When preparing baby formula, use a safe water source following recommended guidelines for preparation and storage.
Avoid consuming raw foods whenever possible. If you choose to eat fruits or vegetables, peel them yourself or wash them thoroughly with bottled or disinfected water. Stay away from pre-cut produce, fresh salads, salsas, condiments made with raw ingredients, and raw meat or seafood, including dishes “cooked” with citrus juices or vinegar (like ceviche). These foods carry a higher risk of contamination.
Street food, while tempting, poses a higher risk of foodborne illness. If you opt for street food, adhere to the same safety principles: choose cooked and steaming hot options and avoid raw vegetables. Avoid bushmeat, which refers to wild game not typically consumed in developed countries, as it can transmit diseases.
Safe drinking water is just as important as safe food. In areas with potentially contaminated tap water, avoid drinking it, even when showering or brushing your teeth. Use bottled or disinfected water instead. Water can be disinfected by boiling, filtering, or using chemical treatments.
Don’t use ice in regions with questionable water quality, as it’s likely made with tap water. Drinks from unopened, factory-sealed bottles or cans are generally safer. However, be wary of potential tampering, especially with bottled water. Carbonated drinks are usually safe due to the carbonation indicating a factory seal. Avoid drinks with ice.
Hot beverages like coffee or tea are safe if served steaming hot. Allow them to cool before drinking, but avoid lukewarm or room-temperature options. Be cautious about adding potentially contaminated ingredients like cream or lemon. Sugar, being a dry food, is generally safe.
Pasteurized milk from sealed bottles is usually safe. Avoid milk from open containers or that has been left at room temperature. Unpasteurized dairy products pose risks, especially for pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. Most liquors are safe due to their alcohol content, but choose mixers carefully, following the same guidelines for food and drinks. Avoid fountain drinks as they are often made with tap water. Freshly squeezed juice is safe only if you wash and peel the fruit yourself using bottled or treated water. Avoid juices prepared by others.
