Sampling local cuisine is high on the list of things to do for many holidaymakers. But people are being warned to steer clear of risky foods that can ruin their trip.
Foodborne illnesses can cause an upset stomach or worse - even with something as innocent-seeming as fresh fruit and vegetables, if a country has issues with water quality. Ashleigh Tosh from food delivery service Prepped Pots powered by MuscleFood.com said: “Harmful bacteria can be lurking around in exotic food markets and bring you to your knees if you’re not careful with what you put in your mouth.
“There’s nothing worse than spending your long-anticipated holiday in the hotel room with a stomach bug. That’s why it’s better to be safe than sorry and think twice before getting overly adventurous with local food.
“However, if you practice good general hygiene and take precautions with exotic food then you can still enjoy some of the local cuisine. If you do decide to indulge in some delicious street food then opt for a stall where you can see how the food is prepared - this way you can check if your food is handled and cooked properly.”
Prepped Pots has named seven foods to be careful with while travelling. Read on below to find out more.
Street food
Street food is a popular and often delicious way to experience local cuisine, but it can also be risky. When choosing street food, it’s important to be selective and choose vendors that look clean and have a high turnover of customers. Avoid pre-cooked foods that have been sitting out for a long time, as they can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Raw or undercooked meat
Raw or undercooked meat can contain harmful bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Trichinella which can cause serious illnesses. High heat kills germs, so if you’re eating meat then make sure that it’s cooked all the way through.
Fish and shellfish
Seafood, particularly when consumed raw or undercooked, can pose food safety risks due to the potential presence of viruses and bacteria. Travelling overseas often means unfamiliar food sources, and not all regions have the same food safety regulations. Consuming contaminated seafood can lead to food poisoning and gastrointestinal issues.
Fresh salsas and condiments
Be careful with fresh sauces and condiments, especially when you don’t know the exact ingredients they contain. Fresh salsas are made with uncooked tomatoes and onions which can be contaminated. Plus, fresh sauces have a short shelf life and you can’t be sure how long ago they were prepared. Instead choose sealed and packaged condiments over homemade or open containers.
Bushmeat
Consuming bushmeat, which is meat from wild animals, can pose several risks and should be avoided when travelling. Wild animals can carry a variety of diseases that may be transmitted by bushmeat consumption. Bushmeat should also be avoided because it can come from endangered or threatened species.
Unpasteurised dairy products
Pasteurisation is a process that involves heating milk and dairy products to kill harmful bacteria. Without pasteurisation, bacterial growth and contamination are more likely, especially if the dairy products are not handled and stored correctly.
Eggs
Avoid dishes that contain raw or undercooked eggs to prevent contracting Salmonella. Raw eggs are used in certain desserts, cocktails and sauces like hollandaise and mayonnaise. You should also be careful when eating scrambled eggs, as sometimes the eggs are not cooked thoroughly.
