Adventure Travel Food Safety
Traveling is not only immersing oneself in other lands, other peoples, other cultures -- but a huge part of what makes the experience unique is the food. The smells and tastes of international cuisines can be most intoxicating, and the dining experience most enjoyable. It is quite unfortunate however, that food and drink are the main causes of ruined trips, and food- and liquid-borne pathogens are found everywhere in the world. Fortunately, the key to traveler food safety is information that is readily available, but the only guarantee is found in your own attentiveness and self-discipline.
In recent years there have been other health risks involved in foreign travel, such as outbreaks of the avian flu. As part of your trip planning, it is safe to always check the Web sites of the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO), which monitor disease outbreaks and maintain individual pages for over 180 countries. Check the page for the country you are traveling to and discover what threats you may be facing, plus other useful health and safety information.
Before departure, you should also check your trusted information sources -- Web sites, print news, personal friends, trusted colleagues and professional acquaintances, especially veteran travelers -- for any late-breaking news concerning outbreaks or food supply problems where you're headed. While there are some unique things about every country's food supplies, there are good common sense tips that will allow you to eat safely -- even adventurously -- wherever you go.
What to watch out for
Among the most common ailments suffered by travelers are gastrointestinal, and the most common source (everywhere) is drinking water. The safest approach is to drink only bottled water from a recognized manufacturer with fully sealed caps. You can always boil or filter water, and/or use packaged decontaminants, but the safest, most convenient solution is bottled water. Remember that the ice you put in your drink also a possible threat, and the safest approach is not to use ice at al
An old traveler's slogan goes something like, "Cook it, wash it, peel it or forget it." Foods that are freshly, fully cooked do not acquire contaminants as easily as raw food like salads, vegetables and fruits with no peels. Fresh produce with skin you can peel yourself is typically safe to eat. The same cannot be said for such condiments as salad dressing, catsup, mayonnaise and mustard, unless they're in sealed packages.
Meats, fish, dairy and drinks
All meats should be cooked "well done" (at the very least, "medium well" with no bloody juice) and served when hot. Runny eggs, sandwiches or dishes with raw vegetables, cold meats and cheeses, foods in a buffet and open bowls of sauces or dips not so ideal. Seafood, of course, is infamous for causing intestinal distress, and fish organs and shellfish such as mussels, oysters and clams are best left off your menu entirely.
Unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided, but canned milk is usually safe. Coffee and tea are also generally okay, but be careful about the added cream or milk, and consider taking your coffee black and tea "straight" for safety's sake. There is a different issue with foreign beers and wines, which are not likely to be contaminated but can have a much higher alcohol content than their American counterparts. Moderation is always the safest course of action, and you should monitor yourself for the effects of alcohol with any new beverage.
General rules for travelers everywhere
If you are elderly, pregnant or have a compromised immune system, you have the highest risk of contracting a foodborne illness. But even the healthiest and hardiest travelers can face elevated risks if they let their guard down, eat irregularly, eat too much or too little, or don't eat a balanced diet.
Remember to get enough protein, and non-meat sources are fine if your meat options are limited or "iffy." Tofu and other soy products, nuts, eggs and lentils can provide necessary protein, while peelable fruits and vegetables are healthful and generally safe.
You also need to eat grains, breads and rice, which are staples everywhere and available freshly baked and cooked, day and night, in many countries. Of course, make sure to drink enough bottled water and other safe beverages (sodas that you are familiar with back home, squeezed citrus fruits, etc.).
Quick tips and reminders
Multivitamins with iron and dietary supplements can compensate for a compromised diet. Bring or buy some.
Protein and "power" bars, and other healthy snacks, are a good addition to your daily menu.
Don't order something at a restaurant if you are not 100% certain what is in it. Always ask.
If you have a special diet (diabetic, low carb, etc.) or food allergy, consider what some traveling vegans do, and bring, buy and/or prepare your own food.
Sure, street vendor food is convenient, cheap and even tantalizing at times. But it's risky. Think twice and be careful.
As mom would remind you, wash your hands, and not just before you eat. Don't forget that you need safe water for this, as well as for preparing food.
Little helpers: Hand sanitizers, antacids, portable water filters, anti-diarrheals, restaurant menu phrase book.
Finally, always err on the side of safety. Traveling can be safe AND fun. I know you wouldn't want to spend your vacation in the hotel room suffering from a bum tummy now would you?