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With summer knocking at our doors, we’re set and ready to go for summer vacations, especially after two years-long of uncertainty. New places, new cultures, flavour-rich dishes you have never tried but craved for and a lot of new experiences are all exciting reasons to make you want to leave your crib for the summer. But along with the thrill of wandering, it is very important to take special care of your health and diet. While on the go, food can be your health’s worst enemy if you don’t pay attention to your food and drink choices. If you do, here’s what you should know.
Food Poisoning Happens All the Time
We often assume that by sticking to standard recommendations such as boiling, peeling and cooking, we can easily fend off food poisoning while on the go. But if it was that easy, we would be writing another guide about it. In fact, studies have shown that people can still get food poisoning if they follow these guidelines.
But whose fault is it? Even when travellers follow the most rigorous practices to avoid such illnesses, poor hygiene practices seem to be the main culprit. Not every country you know adheres to strict food safety standards, which is a reason enough to be wary.
Aside from poor hygiene practices, travellers can get sick when they’re exposed to foreign bacteria. Because the immune system doesn’t recognize a particular type of bacteria, it can cause problems even though it might not be harmful to the locals who consume the same food. A CDC report shows that approximately 48 million Americans get sick every year from consuming unsafe beverages and food.
The most common food poisoning cases come from:
According to MedicalNegligenceLawUk, water and foodborne illnesses happen all time, but developing countries pose the greatest risk. Often we hear tourists travelling to countries in Asia (excepting Japan), the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Mexico, who frequently experience food and drink poisoning. Sanitization practices and limited sources of clean water may not be enough to ensure that food is prepared safely.
If you’re ready to travel to any of the above-mentioned regions, make sure you review the CDC travel guidelines for that destination to understand what you should and shouldn’t consume.
TIP: You should use the CDC travel guidelines regardless of where you travel this summer.
Ways to prevent food poisoning while on the go
- Stay clean: Wash your hands thoroughly before you eat
There will be situations where you may pick up a microbe or a bacteria elsewhere, and only by washing your hands before touching your plate or eating anything can you be sure you haven’t contributed to the problem.
Washing your hands with soap before eating a meal is a sure way to prevent bacteria from entering your system. If you don’t, the germs and bacteria on your fingers and palms can make their way into your mouth right from the first bite.
If the tap water is suspect, you can always carry hand wipes and an alcohol-based sanitizer to use after the washing.
- Pay attention to where you drink from
You should avoid drinking tap water from developing countries unless you know that the water source has been chemically treated with iodine or chlorine or filtered.
The same is available if you just want to brush your teeth. Since developing countries are much riskier than others, you should use bottled water to maintain your mouth hygiene.
Ice – Do you always know where that water comes from? Well, you should learn that ice is usually made from tap water. You should say no ice in countries with high risk even if it’s in mixed drinks. Because the alcohol level may not be enough to kill the bacteria in the ice you should rather order your Margherita neat.
Milk –Dairy products and pasteurised milk are safe to be consumed as long as the products are served cold from factory-sealed cartons or bottles. Stay away from unpasteurized dairy and milk products, especially those sold at shady street stalls.
- Food should be steaming hot
Foodborne bacteria and germs that cause digestive problems cannot survive in hot temperatures. In fact, cool temperatures or lukewarm temperatures promote bacteria growth. Dishes that are steaming with heat are safer and fresher.
If you are on the go and you’re uncertain of the many food options, look for hot beverages and foods such as soups and teas. Also, be cautious of food vendors who don’t store their ingredients in properly insulated food containers and coolers. Here are some signs you can watch for when choosing places to eat to avoid a foodborne illness:
- Food containers and spinning fans to keep flies off
- Tongs and utensils are used to handle the food
- Dishes are fresh and only made when ordered
- Food is steaming hot or smoking
- Gloves and hair covers are worn
- The staff has access to sinks with water and soap
- Emergency food is always an option
Parents with children are already familiar with this idea, but packing emergency food on your summer trip, and refilling your supply with trusted food choices as you go, is the best way to ensure you or your children aren’t exposed to potentially contaminated foods. Emergency food remains a viable option when dining options are limited, kids are impatient, stomachs are growling, and no one can’t wait.
You can carry pre-packed foods like nuts, cereals, pretzels, cooked and even fruits that can be peeled.
