Food tips for travellers
If you are travelling overseas, there are a number of precautions that you can take to help minimise health problems that you might experience.
You should pay particular attention to food and beverage consumption and protection against insect-borne disease. The following are a number of basic tips that may help you avoid problems when overseas.
- Drink only beverages that have been boiled or treated to eliminate bacteria and viruses.
- Boiling clear water for 5 minutes is generally sufficient to eliminate most pathogens. At altitude, however, water boils at a lower temperature so is not as safe.
- Chlorine or iodine tablets (available from camping stores) can be used to purify water in some situations, however they will not kill Giardia or amoebic cysts.
- Bottled water (making sure that it is a named brand and the seal has not been broken) is generally available at most tourist destinations and this should be consumed in preference to local water. Tap water in many areas is not safe.
- Avoid ice in your drinks as it may have been made from untreated water or local water supplies, and tap water is not safe in many cases.
- Avoid leafy, cold salads as the ingredients may have been rinsed with contaminated water.
- Avoid milk and milk products.
- Fruits that you have peeled yourself should be safe, however, do not wash them in the local water after peeling.
- Consume vegetables, meat, seafood or desserts with caution. Do not eat food from local street vendors. Vegetables should be cooked or boiled and served steaming hot. Meats need to be thoroughly cooked. Pork should not be eaten due to the risk of the parasite infection trichinosis. Shellfish may cause hepatitis A infection, and some species of fish (predatory types) can cause gastroenteritis problems. Desserts should be baked and served hot. Condiments, sauces and topping should be consumed only if freshly opened as they can be contaminated if not stored properly.
Always check with your doctor or travel health professional before going overseas, as they will be able to give you recommendations and medications for many illnesses that you may contract from local food and drink.
Last Reviewed: 15 October 2004
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