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Without question, one of the greatest pleasures of travelling is being able to sample the local cuisine. But, if you’re not careful, your culinary choices can make you ill or even derail your vacation. Not all countries have food safety standards as high as they are in Canada and some other countries. Here’s a list of foods and beverages that experts at the Mayo Clinic advise travellers to avoid.
Raw or undercooked meat and seafood
While raw or uncooked meat and seafood can look delicious, it may also contain harmful bacteria which can pose a danger to your health. Make no mistake, this also holds true for seafood which has been “cooked” in citrus juices or vinegar, and sushi, which can not only contain bacteria, but parasites. And that’s one souvenir you don’t want to take back home!
Shellfish
Crustaceans may well be among the most delicious things on planet earth, but they are also notorious for triggering allergies and containing more bacteria than most other seafoods. So, if you must go for it, make sure it is well cooked and served hot.
Deli meats and local game
Generally, if you’re eating meat while travelling abroad, the hotter it is served, the safer it will be. Meats and cheeses left out over periods of time in deli cases can be a source of contaminants – and traveller’s regret. And if you’re an adventurous eater, a word of caution: your digestive system may not react well to meals featuring local game.
Berries and apples
A few of the items on this list may surprise you – like berries and apples. Generally, any fruit which does not have a protective barrier you have to peel off before eating it can contain bacteria from contaminated water and should be avoided.
Raw vegetables
While ordinarily the healthiest way to consume vegetables is raw, when you’re travelling abroad, there is a good chance that raw vegetables sold in supermarkets have been washed with local water that could be contaminated, and pose a danger to your health, particularly if they have been pre-cut. The same holds true for pre-packaged, pre-cut salads sold in supermarkets.
Street vendors
There’s no question that in many countries, street food is a vibrant and essential part of the local culture and cuisine and a big part of your travel experience. But street vendors can be a source of unsafe foods and beverages, so exercise caution.
Unpasteurized dairy
Food safety regulations vary by country, and unpasteurized dairy products can be a dangerous source of salmonella, E. coli and listeria, all of which can make you very ill, so you might want to take a pass. Though you may love them, soft cheeses like Brie, cream cheese and feta are made with raw milk which may be unsafe in some countries, so it’s best to avoid them too.
Buffet food
It’s so tempting because it’s all right in front of you, the food looks so appetizing, and it’s so often included with travel package deals! And yet buffets are an automatic red flag, a breeding ground for bacteria that can make you very, very ill. The longer that food sits out, the more chance bacteria can breed. Sauces and condiments in buffets may contain ingredients such as eggs or local water that could make you sick. If you can, choose sauces that are served piping hot to minimize your risk. High temperatures kill bacteria.
Foods that aren’t refrigerated
It might be tempting to grab a quick bite in the form of a sandwich while on vacation, but who knows how long ago it was prepared, or for how long it’s been sitting? Hot fresh food is your safest option.
Tap water, ice and fountain drinks
Water is water, right? Not so fast. Unless you’re from there, don’t drink tap water while visiting Central America, South America, Mexico, Africa, The Middle East or Asia, all of which are considered high-risk destinations for traveler’s diarrhea. Stick with bottled or boiled water. The same watch-out applies to ice because bacteria present in contaminated water is not killed by freezing or alcohol. Even carbonated pop or soda water is likely made with local water which may be contaminated and should also be avoided.
No matter what you eat in a foreign land, you may get sick anyway. Speak to your doctor about vaccinations or medications that can help keep you healthy, to get the most enjoyment out of your vacation.