Getting food poisoned on a trip is the last thing you will expect while traveling. To ensure you stay safe from any foodborne illness, we have got you the 10 foods to avoid on a vacation.
Tap water
Who would have thought water can be the reason for an upset belly? But it’s true. Tap water in United States, Latin America, Middle-east Asia and Asia gets contaminated easily and thus, not recommended for drinking. You should always go for bottled mineral water or filtered water to drink. If you are traveling in areas with scarce water resources, carry a water purification kit with you.
Local Adult Beverages
You might feel like having alcohol while exploring a new country, but it might affect potency. Do not go for local brands instead of brewed alcohol as it can be dangerous, regardless of the country you are on a tour. You should also be careful about having mixed drinks or leaving your drink unattended in a pub or party. Remember, there are good and bad people all around the world.
Unpasteurized Dairy
No matter how many health benefits milk offer, having unpasteurized milk is very dangerous for your health. Having unpasteurized milk can get you at a health risk of tuberculosis, typhoid fever, scarlet fever, dysentery, etc. Pasteurization has helped marginally in combating these heath threats.
However, not every country is free from these fatal diseases. This is why we suggest eating healthy while on vacation and avoid unpasteurized diary.
Unpeeled Raw Veggies and Salad
Developing nations are believed to produce fruits and veggies in human manure or contaminated soils. Moreover, washing them in contaminated water (tap water) can worsen the situation. Even the United States have issues with these (contaminated) produce. Having fruits and vegetables that you can peel is comparatively safe.
Buffet Food
We know it’s tempting to see that long table with myriad of delicacies, especially for a foodie or hungry traveler. But, the harsh truth is that buffet is quite a nasty place to eat as the hot food is not always hot and the cold food isn’t cold for long. This is an invitation for bacteria to enjoy the buffet meal.
Ice and Popsicles
Seeing ice on the list, you might be thinking ‘Should I diet on vacation?’ You need not diet until you are careful about what you are eating on a vacation. Remember, the first point on this list? Imagine if tap water is unsafe for drinking how can ice be a safe option? Coming to popsicles, it also revolves in the same area.
Often popsicles are made using unpeeled fruits, unboiled water and unhealthy dairy products. You might love the taste of cold popsicles off the street vendor but you will definitely hate the after-effects.
You might not notice but flies can also contaminate the food as soon as they land. If you have had food at buffet, you might notice signs of food poisoning like stomach ache and vomiting soon after.
Raw Eggs
Eggs are often not stored carefully and are quite dirty as well. As such, it is advised to avoid raw eggs and uncooked eggs on vacation. You should also skip o mayonnaise, cocktails, cookie dough and sauces.
If you think washing the eggs well can help, you are wrong. The egg shell is a porous layer which can make way for bacteria enter the egg.
Undercooked Meat
Like uncooked eggs, undercooked meat is also not a safe thing to eat. Raw meat can be easily prone to contamination right from the farm to chef’s table. Animals are easy targets of parasites and when the meat is not cooked at a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, there is a chance of those parasites entering your body. If you are not sure about the status of the cooked meat, better go vegetarian on vacations.
Bush Meat
One of the most dangerous foods to avoid when traveling is bush meat. We understand traveling brings adventure but eating bush meat shouldn’t be one of them. Animals such as dogs, monkeys, bats, cats, wild game and almost anything that is not raised in a farm must be avoided. The main source of Ebola virus from animals to humans is the raw bush meat.
You won’t know and bacteria would transfer from meat to your body. These bacteria are new for a human body and leads to several diseases.
For a foodie, exploring new delicacies and cuisines is a fun thing while traveling. However, eating wrong food can ruin that fun journey completely. Remember the names on this list of food to avoid on a vacation.
