9 Food Safety Tips When Traveling Abroad

Before your international trip

• Plan ahead. Anticipate issues, food safety or otherwise, that could arise during your trip, starting with researching your destination.
• Pack smartly. Bring a travel health kit and carry your health insurance card in your wallet. Place prescription medications in your carry-on. Check the TSA website to determine what’s allowed on airplanes.
• Visit a health-care provider before you go. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may need new or updated vaccines or special medications.

When visiting a popular destination

• Germs travel beyond borders, including to popular tourist destinations in developed countries. Just as in the U.S., you can get sick from undercooked, raw and contaminated foods and beverages. It’s always a good idea to avoid raw foods such as meat, fish, shellfish and eggs.
• Don’t be fooled by appearance of cleanliness in well-traveled areas of the world. Whenever in doubt, don’t drink tap or well water or anything that was made with it, including fountain drinks. Your best bet is to opt for sealed, bottled beverages.
• Steer clear of food that has been sitting at room temperature — that falls within the temperature “danger zone” where bacteria thrive. This includes not eating from a buffet-style service, since food may not always be held at safe temperatures and can easily become mishandled. Stick to cold or hot foods instead.

When visiting a remote destination

• Always err on the side of caution. Even though you may typically enjoy certain foods and beverages at home, your safest bet is to avoid the following during foreign travels to remote locations: meat served rare or at room temperature; raw, unwashed or cut-up fruits and vegetables, including salads; tap or well water and anything made with it, including ice; unpasteurized dairy; and raw or runny, cooked eggs.
• Only eat foods that have been cooked and served hot. Only drink beverages that are in manufacturer-sealed containers.
• Curb your adventurous foodie enthusiasm. While it may be tempting, skipping food from unknown street or roadside vendors can help keep you from getting sick. And, no matter how curious you are, it’s safest to avoid exotic dishes such as prepared monkey, bat, unusual wild game and bushmeat.

What Happens if You Do Get Sick

Even if you play it safe and follow the rules for food safety, you still may find yourself sick while on an international trip. If you experience diarrhea, drink plenty of clean fluids to stay well-hydrated. If you experience a more serious illness, not all global destinations have adequate health resources, but the U.S. Department of State can help travelers locate medical services.

Bon voyage and have a safe culinary adventure!