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Food
Safety |
Sampling
the foods of the world is one of the most satisfying aspects
of travel. But while your palette may be game, your stomach
isn't always up to the challenge. It's important to find a
middle ground between sampling the local cuisines, and
treating your belly well.
For starters, understand that American food isn't necessarily
"safer" than food abroad; it's often simply that
your innards are accustomed to it. An important difference is
often the use of more "natural" fertilizers abroad,
which can carry bacteria that could cause intestinal distress.
Here's a guide to eating well and still eating safely while
traveling.
Drinking Water
The most common source of dietary problems while traveling is
drinking water, including ice. See our feature on Drinking
Water for complete coverage of this issue.
Tips for Safer Eating:
- The traveler's mantra, attributed to colonial explorers,
goes something like this: "Cook it, wash it, peel it, or
forget it." Freshly cooked foods are less likely to
acquire airborne contaminants, and raw foods such as salads
and unpeeled fruits and vegetables are often likely culprits
for trouble.
- Nuts and other shelled foods are usually safe.
- Order portions "well done," or at least
"medium well," and eat them only if served hot. Be
careful especially of runny eggs and sandwiches with lots of
raw vegetables.
- Condiments such as mayonnaise, ketchup, and salad dressings
are safest in sealed packages.
- Cold meat platters, cheese, buffet foods, and unsealed
mayonnaise are often home to rampant bacteria.
- Fish dishes are notorious for causing intestinal problems,
as fish accumulate contaminants from a wide variety of
sources. Smaller fish tend to be safer. Also, avoiding fish
organs is a good idea.
- Shellfish, such as clams, mussels, and oysters, are
problematic and probably best avoided.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products, including cheese and
yogurt. Check labels for evidence of pasteurization; canned
milk is usually safe.
- Food bought from street vendors can sometimes be trouble.
- Wash your hands before handling foods. It's important that
you use "safe" water to wash all foods.
- Go with the people flow - busy restaurants are typically
safest. The food is more likely to be fresh, clean, and safe.
Still, ask that food be cooked well, and take normal
precautions.
Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are generally safe, but it is advisable to take
your hot drinks black, without potentially contaminated milk.
Cream from sealed containers, if pasteurized, is usually safe.
Food Intolerances
Be aware of any food intolerances, and be extremely careful to
avoid foods that might have hidden or unexpected ingredients
that could cause you problems.
Alcohol
Beer and wine in other countries may contain more or less
alcohol content than in the United States. Pay attention to
the effects of all drinks, and moderation is usually the
safest course of action.
Carry a Phrase Book
If your waiter or food server does not speak English, having a
phrase book on hand to help translate the menu may help you
avoid potentially dangerous dishes.
Vegetarian Travel
The vegetarian lifestyle has moved into the mainstream in many
parts of the world, and vegetarian sections have become common
on restaurant menus. However, be careful of any entrée that
is not specifically marked as vegetarian, especially in
countries where beef and other meats are important staples,
such as in South America. In these cases, you may explain to a
waiter that you do not eat meat, and be served a lasagna, for
instance, that is made with meat sauce. Sauces and soups are
often made with meat stock. Buying your own food at a grocery
or other merchant is often your best option.
For more information, see the Vegetarian Resources Group's
feature on Vegetarian
Travel and Restaurants.
General Nutrition
Travelers can often neglect proper nutrition, existing for
days on the same foods, which can compromise your health and
cause a cascade of health problems. Try to maintain a
well-balanced diet. In the absence of meat, protein is
abundant in eggs, nuts, lentils, tofu. Peelable fruit and
vegetables are a good source of trace minerals and vitamins.
Make sure your diet includes breads and grains such as rice.
Diet supplements and vitamins, including iron pills, can help
maintain balance when your diet is insufficient. Also,
"sports bars" such as Balance or Power Bars are
excellent nutrition-packed travel snacks.
Also try:
The World Health Organization's (WHO) Food
Safety Programme.
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