Problem: What food precautions should be taken when travelling abroad?
Tip: Holidays, travel and summer are synonymous with fun and relaxation, but not only, when choosing far-flung destinations, there are all manner of other associations to be made, in particular, with regards to food hygiene. Taking a few food precautions can help to avoid health risks during your travels.
Travelling abroad to countries with different climates, traditions and cultures enriches our life experiences and is certainly very exciting, however, it is equally important to be aware of any health risks which may be involved with a particular journey. This means being cautious about where you source meals from and taking care of your own personal hygiene to avoid nasty surprises.
Water is a vital element, and is an essential part of our health and nutrition, both on holiday and at home. To avoid inconvenient situations and unnecessary risks, it is best to buy only sealed bottled water. In fact, water is one of the principle means of spreading illness inducing viruses and bacteria. If in doubt, before drinking or using water, you should boil it for several minutes as many bacteria cannot resist high temperatures and die.
The danger also lies in what you eat, not just what you drink. Poor quality food, which has been packaged and stored under unhygienic conditions represent a potential source of hazards, risks and pathogenic microorganisms. It is better to buy packaged foods from safe sources, as well as avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked foods, which harbour harmful microorganisms. Some foods which should not be consumed under any circumstances include raw seafood, molluscs, unpasteurised milk and dairy products.
