Food safety when travelling overseas

Sampling the foods of the world can be a very satisfying aspect of travel. But while your palate may be game, your stomach isn't always up to the challenge.

Listed below are some simple tips so that your trip, whether it is for business or pleasure, doesn't get spoilt by a foodborne illness.

Handwashing

Bacteria can be carried to your mouth on your hands, so avoid putting your fingers anywhere near your mouth.

  • Before eating always throughly wash your hands with soap and hot water and dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
  • Use disposable wipes or alcohol-based gels if clean water is not available.

Drinking water

You don't need to drink contaminated water to be exposed to a foodborne illness. Always consider alternate sources of exposure, like the water you use to brush your teeth or to wash your dentures.  Be sure to use bottled, boiled or purified water.

  • Only buy bottled water that is sealed with tamper-proof packaging.
  • Avoid ice in your drinks because freezing water does not kill bacteria.
  • Use iodine-based drinking water tablets (which are added to water before drinking) to chemically disinfect water. Make sure you follow the instructions correctly in order for the water to be safe to drink.
  • Use modern water purifers to eliminate any organic material and organisims.

Food safety

  • Avoid eating salads or unpeelable fruit and vegetables, when water quality is poor.
  • Don't buy food from street vendors or other food outlets where there is evidence of poor hygiene. 
  • Avoid food that has been left around and exposed to flies or insects.
  • Avoid uncooked shellfish, and dishes containing raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat. In countries where poisonous bio-toxins may be present in fish and shellfish, obtain advice locally.
  • Don't eat undercooked or reheated food.
  • In areas where hygiene and sanitation are inadequate, avoid salads, uncooked vegetables and unpasteurised milk and milk products, such as cheese. Only eat food that has been cooked and is still hot, or fruit that has been washed in clean water and then peeled by you.
  • When eating local food, eat in well patronised and busy restaurants.