What Is Safe To Eat and Drink While Traveling?

Travelling, eating and drinking go together. But, unfortunately, traveller’s diarrhoea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride. The good news is there are simple things you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick while travelling.

• The first line of defense against illness at home and abroad is good hand hygiene. Wash hands with soap and uncontaminated water. If water quality is unknown, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol often and before eating or drinking.
• In general, it is best not to drink tap water in a developing country.
• Boiled water and drinks made from boiled water (tea) are usually safe.
• Carbonated bottled water or sodas are usually safe. Uncarbonated bottled water may be safe, but even bottled water may be filled up from the local tap water source.
• Iodine tablets or commercially available water filters may be used to purify water when camping.
• Ice (including flavored shaved ice or popsicles) is not safe in areas where the water supply may be contaminated. Make ice from disinfected or bottled, sealed water.
• Alcohol (beer, wine) is usually safe.
• Fruits and vegetables washed in contaminated water may have a residue of bacteria. In general, wash in clean water and peel them yourself.
• Hot, well-cooked foods are usually safe. Avoid runny eggs.
• Avoid street vendor food.
• Avoid salsas and salads made with raw ingredients.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
• Spices do not kill bacteria. Food can be so spicy that it burns your mouth and still cause traveler's diarrhea or more serious diseases.
• Foods that put the traveler at high risk for infection include undercooked meat or seafood and bush meat (wild game such as bats, monkeys, other jungle game).

•  Drink bottled water from a reliable source – check the seal is intact before you drink. 
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
• Boil tap water – bring it to a rolling boil (where you can see large bubbles).
• Use a water purifier.
• Chemically disinfect water by using iodine-based drinking water tablets.
• Steer clear of ice cubes unless you know for sure that they are made from safe bottled water. Freezing water preserves germs!