Embarking on a culinary adventure is one of the most exciting parts of traveling. However, unfamiliar foods and different preparation methods can sometimes pose risks.
Understanding food safety while on the road is crucial to ensuring a fun and healthy trip.
In this post, you’ll learn essential tips to safely enjoy fruit, meat, and dairy products and what foods to avoid while traveling.
Don’t let a lack of preparation ruin your trip—read on to discover how to keep your travels both delicious and safe!
In This Article
Handling Fruits Safely While Traveling
Fruits are a fantastic, healthy choice when traveling. The freshness of locally harvested fruit is unmatched. When I travel, I always try new exotic fruits, some of which I might never try again, and that’s the beauty of it. To keep enjoying them, they must be handled with care.
The safest option is fruit that can be peeled, such as bananas, oranges, and mangoes. Peel the fruits yourself to reduce the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria that may be present on someone else’s skin.
If you prefer fruits like apples or berries, make sure they are thoroughly washed with clean, bottled, or purified water.
In some regions, fruit may be rinsed with contaminated water, which can lead to illness.
Fruit sold in cups, cut to pieces, and ready to eat might be tempting, but I would suggest avoiding these.
You don’t know if the seller washed their hands or if they used clean water to wash the fruit.
Avoid Raw Meat and Seafood
Eating meat in foreign countries can be risky if not chosen wisely. Stick to well-cooked meats. Undercooked or raw meats can harbor dangerous bacteria and parasites. When dining out, ensure the meat is hot, fresh, and cooked thoroughly.
Avoid rare meats and dishes like carpaccio or steak tartare, which may not be properly refrigerated or prepared. Sushi or ceviche should be avoided too.
But what about that medium-rare steak in Argentina or fresh sashimi in Japan?
It’s your choice. If you want to try these, choose reputable restaurants that follow proper food safety protocols and check the reviews online.
Dairy: What to Watch Out For
Dairy products can vary greatly in quality and safety standards depending on where you are in the world.
In many countries, dairy products are made with unpasteurized milk, which can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Avoid these, especially if you‘re pregnant or have a weakened immune system.
To play it safe, only consume dairy products made with pasteurized milk. Hard cheeses, packaged and sealed dairy products are generally safer.
Avoid Food That’s Been Left Out
One of the biggest food safety hazards is food left out at room temperature. Buffets, street vendors, and even some restaurants may leave food out for long periods, increasing the risk of bacterial growth.
The sweet spot for bacteria to multiply rapidly is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C). Meats, dairy products, and dishes containing eggs are extra risky.
Opt for food that is freshly cooked or kept hot in a visible warming device. The food should be too hot to touch or eat at the moment it’s served.
Be Cautious with Salads and Raw Vegetables
While salads and raw vegetables can be healthy options, they can also be risky in regions with different food safety standards.
Fresh produce may be washed with contaminated water or handled with dirty hands. In some places, farmers still use untreated human feces as fertilizer, creating a risk of bacterial and parasitic contamination.
To avoid getting sick, avoid raw vegetables and salads unless you are sure they have been prepared in a safe environment.
Cooked vegetables are a safer alternative, as cooking kills harmful bacteria. If you’re unsure about the safety of the produce, it’s best to skip it altogether.
Street Food: Enjoy with Caution
Street food is an integral part of experiencing local culture but can also be a source of foodborne illness. Choose vendors who cook food fresh in front of you, ensuring it is hot and cooked thoroughly.
Look for stalls with a high turnover of local customers, which suggests the food is fresh and popular. Avoid pre-cooked dishes sitting in the sun, as these are more likely to harbor bacteria.
Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t look or smell right, it’s best to move on to another option.
Avoid eating bushmeat (wildlife eaten by locals), such as monkeys, rodents, bats, snakes, etc.
While there is a risk of contracting exotic parasites or bacteria, it can also have environmental or even legal consequences.
Tips for Eating Out Safely
When choosing a place to eat, do some research beforehand. Look for restaurants with good reviews, especially those mentioned for their cleanliness. If many reviews say food poisoning (you can filter these in Google or TripAdvisor), be careful.
Observe the establishment’s hygiene: clean tables, cutlery, and restrooms are good indicators of overall food safety practices.
Choose dining spots that are busy with locals, as they are more likely to serve fresh and well-prepared food.
Trust your instincts. The more you travel, the more you’ll gain experience that will help you assess a stall, food truck, or restaurant quickly.
My main clues are:
- busy with tourists or even better with locals
- great reviews
- fresh ingredients prepared in front of me
Pack Your Own Snacks
When traveling, it’s a great idea to pack your own snacks, especially for long journeys or in regions where you are unsure about food safety standards.
Non-perishable items like nuts, dried fruits, granola bars, and jerky (dried meat) are convenient and safe options.
Having your favorite snacks ensures that you have safe, nutritious options when needed, whether on a plane, on a boat trip, trekking, or in remote areas.
Conclusion
Traveling is an opportunity to explore new cultures and cuisines, but it’s important to be mindful of food safety to avoid illness. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your journey while lowering the risk of foodborne illnesses.
I have to note that it’s always about finding the balance. Being stressed all the time and afraid of stomach problems can ruin your vacation and the culinary experience.
Up to 80% of travelers have health problems while traveling to exotic destinations, and 30%—70% experience diarrhea. The goal is to minimize the risk and avoid the most dangerous infections.
Even if you’re careful, you can get food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea. Learn to cure them fast.
Check out my other blog posts for more tips on staying healthy while exploring the world. Keep these food safety tips in mind for your next adventure!
Stay informed, make smart choices, and savor every moment of your travels!
Resources
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/food-water-safety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Jeffrey B. Nemhauser, CDC Yellow Book 2024: Health Information for International Travel (New York, 2023; online edn, Oxford Academic, 23 Mar. 2023), https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197570944.001.0001
https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided in this blog post is solely at your own risk.
