Enjoying a nice meal beachside is an incomparable experience.
To savour the flavours of freshly-caught seafood plucked from the ocean before
you, how decadent. Ah, to relish the lingering notes on your palate as you adjourn
to your room within the five-star villa … hang on. There’s a strange rumbling
in your gut followed closely by painful pangs and unsolicited nausea. It’s
happened, you’ve been poisoned. Don’t panic though; the symptoms of a food-borne
illness only last for a few days. However, falling ill in the middle of a trip
means the vacation is over. You’ll be confined to your room, retching for
hours, unable to stomach food, dehydrated to the point of misery. It’s a less
than ideal situation. In fact, it’s grounds for a one-star review on Trip Advisor.
There’s nothing worse than putting time, effort and money
into something only to have it ruined by something as simple as food or water. The
chance of contracting some sort of illness while traveling is higher since the
preparation of food and drink is taken out of your hands. Thankfully, educating
yourself is half the battle. Familiarising yourself with the risks of traveling
and indulging will help prevent the dreaded food poisoning.
Research the Destination
Some countries, by default, are riskier than others when it
comes to food-borne illnesses. Differing hygiene practices and standards are
the determining factors here. The CDC has designated certain locations as low,
intermediate, or high risk areas.
- Low Risk: U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Northern and Western Europe
- Intermediate Risk: Eastern Europe, South Africa, some Caribbean Islands
- High Risk: Asia, Middle East, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America
Be Mindful of Work Practices
A moment’s observation of the people working in an
establishment will enlighten you as to whether good hygiene is practiced. Some
key things to watch for: kitchen staff
has their hair restrained, those touching food have clean hands or are wearing
gloves, no gum, and definitely no sneezing or coughing near food. Don’t forget
to wash your hands before every meal, especially when using your hands to eat.
Embody the Germaphobe
Don’t be afraid to carry around a packet of disinfecting
wipes and tissues with you on your travels. The tissues are just good sense.
The wipes can be used on public transport, tables, armrests, door handles, and
anything in your hotel room. Proper disinfecting wipes are alcohol-based and
will kill any lingering germs on hard plastic surfaces.
Choose Dishes Wisely
Buffets are a big no; dishes left sitting at room
temperature are at a risk for contamination, including sauces. Street vendors should
generally be approached with caution. It can be hard to ignore the piping,
crackling call of street food while pounding the pavement, so if you must
indulge, follow the crowds. Stands that have lots of business are probably safer
to approach than others. Locals will know better than you what stands perpetuate
traveller’s diarrhoea.
Anything raw should be avoided entirely (no sushi or
soft-cooked eggs for you!) as should fountain drinks, tap water, unpasteurised
dairy products, unwashed produce and salads. Dry foods like breads or crackers, bottled and
sealed beverages, factory-sealed food, and produce that has been washed and/or
peeled are all safe to consume while traveling. Certain spices, like chillies
and turmeric, have anti-bacterial properties and will benefit you when included
in meals. Opt for hot meals that are cooked to order since, even if the food is
contaminated, germs will be killed in the high heat. Refer to the CDC’s infographic (above) on
what’s safe to eat to quell any doubts. A good rule to follow for food and
drink is that if it’s meant to be served hot, make sure it’s hot on arrival.
The same goes for cold things arriving cold.
Restrict Your Liquids
When faced with contaminated food, it can be a bit easier to
avoid falling ill because of it (by choosing hot meals or peeling the skin off
produce) than to contaminated water. Water can host bacteria friendlies
including parasites and viruses potentially inflicting drinkers with hepatitis,
cholera, and typhoid fever. Those are some serious problems, so please, just
swallow your pride and buy bottled water. Be sure to check that bottles still
have their plastic rings intact as some vendors have been known to fill bottles
with tap water, using glue to reseal it. If you simply must drink the tap
water, the FDA recommends boiling for three minutes to kill any pathogens.
Those who refuse to pay for bottled water will find a portable water purifier a
good investment. As satisfying as a cool drink is, avoid getting ice in your
drinks since it is likely made of the same tap water as fountain drinks.
Freshly-squeezed juice has the potential to be contaminated, so pass on that as
well.
Some drinks that will almost assuredly be safe:
- Steaming drinks (tea, coffee, sake)
- Alcohol
- Pasteurised milk
- Carbonated, bottled, canned beverages
Pack the Pink Liquid
![]() |
Img source: Boots |
Make sure to bring something with bismuth subsalicylate (the
active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol) to counteract any nasty diarrhoea. Studies
have proven that taking a daily dose of bismuth subsalicylate will decrease the
chance of food poisoning by 50%. Pepto-Bismol is the most cost-effective way to
get this protectant into your system. It comes in liquid or chewable tablet
form and, according to the CDC, should be taken four times a day for up to
three weeks to counteract the risk. In addition to the Pepto-Bismol, be
prepared for other issues that may befall you in your travels. Bring your
vitamins, ibuprofen, antibacterial ointment, and extra prescriptions of your
personal medications. After all, it is best to be prepared.
Jacqui Litvan
Jacqui
Litvan, wielding a bachelor's degree in English, strives to create a world of
fantasy amidst the ever-changing landscape of military life. Attempting to
become a writer, she fuels herself with coffee (working as a barista) and music
(spending free time as a raver).
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave your comments and we will post them as soon as possible