Food safety while traveling

Traveling, eating and drinking go together. But, unfortunately, traveler’s diarrhea and other food-related illnesses can sometimes come along for the ride. The good news is there are simple things you can do to reduce your chances of getting sick while traveling.

And if you do happen to fall ill on holidays, chances are you will be back on the road after a few days. is a common digestive tract disorder that is usually caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Symptoms can include: Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up on its own in a few days.

But sometimes you may need medical assistance#

Serious food-related illnesses include:

• These are all vaccine-preventable diseases. If you think you may be traveling to places where the risk is high
• Ask your doctor or a specialist travel clinic for more information
• keep up to date with the latest travel health advice on
• be extra vigilant. If clean water is not readily available
• use some disposable wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser

Drink bottled water from a reliable source – check the seal is intact before you drink.

Use bottled water to brush your teeth#

Boil tap water – bring it to a rolling boil (where you can see large bubbles).

Use a water purifier#

Chemically disinfect water by using iodine-based drinking water tablets. Steer clear of ice cubes unless you know for sure that they are made from safe bottled water.

Freezing water preserves germs#

If you are planning to eat and drink your way around the world, here are a few tips to help keep you safe from food-related illnesses: Food cooked at high heat is usually safe to eat – so you can feel quite confident about tucking into a plate of steaming hot food! Be cautious of food that is cooked and then kept warm or at room temperature (such as buffets).

The same rule applies to hot drinks#

If you are served a steaming hot cup of tea or coffee, it should be fine to drink. Be cautious of drinks served warm or at room temperature. Dry, packaged and factory sealed food (such as bread, potato chips and canned tuna) are usually safe to eat – check packaging is not damaged before you open it.

Raw food can be risky – avoid cut up fresh fruit and vegetables unless you know they were washed in safe water and cut up by someone wearing gloves or with good hand hygiene. Salads, raw meat and uncooked seafood are also more likely to contain germs that may end up making you sick. Street food is a great way to experience local culture, and good for your wallet too.

But these stalls probably won’t have the same hygiene standards as restaurants.

The best approach is to choose steaming hot food straight off the grill#

You should be back on deck in a couple of days. In the meantime: Make yourself as comfortable as possible at the place where you are staying – plan to stay put for a few days. Your body needs rest, fluids and a bathroom.

Take anti-diarrhea or anti-vomiting medication (such as a loperamide-based medicine like Imodium).

If you do not have any in your bag, head to a local pharmacy. Or, better still, send your traveling companion so you can stay in bed.

Keep drinking clean water or oral rehydration drinks#

Small sips often will help your body keep it down.

Listen to your body#

When you start feeling ready to eat again, stick to simple food like toast, crackers, bananas and rice. Sometimes a bout of food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea will need medical attention. Contact a doctor or go to a hospital as soon as you can if you experience: (such as dizziness or a dry mouth).

(from overseas) or. in the country you are in – most will have a list of local doctors or hospitals.

If you do not speak the language, ask for someone who speaks English About food safety and travel Common food-related illnesses for travelers Traveler’s diarrhea frequent and loose stools abdominal discomfort (cramps and pain) nausea vomiting fever Some food-related illnesses are vaccine preventable hepatitis A typhoid cholera organize vaccines at least 6 to 8 weeks before you go Smartraveller Make personal hygiene a priority when traveling The best way to keep safe from common travel illnesses is to be extra careful with your personal hygiene Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after going to the toilet, and before eating or preparing food – a nd try not to put your fingers in your mouth.

If you are traveling with young children Safe drinking water when traveling Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated when you are traveling. Some simple ways to make sure water is safe Make good choices about what you eat and drink If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, avoid unpasteurized dairy products Treatment for food-related illness when traveling If you do happen to get sick with traveler’s diarrhea or food poisoning When to seek medical attention frequent vomiting (for more than 2 days) severe diarrhea (for more than 3 days) blood in your vomit or diarrhea high fever (39°C (102.2°F) or over) extreme abdominal pain signs of dehydration

Where to get help#

Key Points#

• is a common digestive tract disorder that is usually caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• Symptoms can include: Traveler’s diarrhea usually clears up on its own in a few days
• Serious food-related illnesses include: These are all vaccine-preventable diseases