Safe Food & Water Tips for Travelers
Unclean food and unsafe water can cause travelers’ diarrhea and many other illnesses. Protect yourself by following these safe eating and drinking practices.
Foods You Can Eat Safely
- Freshly cooked food served steaming hot
- Hard‑cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you washed with clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Foods to Avoid
- Food served at room temperature or sitting out
- Street food (unless cooked thoroughly in front of you)
- Raw or soft‑cooked/runny eggs
- Raw or undercooked meat, fish, or shellfish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- “Bushmeat” such as bats, monkeys, or other wild game
Safe Drinks
- Factory‑sealed bottled water
- Properly disinfected or boiled water
- Ice made from bottled or treated water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot tea or coffee
- Pasteurized milk
Drinks to Avoid
- Tap or well water
- Ice made from tap or well water
- Drinks mixed with untreated water (e.g., reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Safe vs. Risky Foods
Usually Safe
- Hot foods: High heat kills most germs. Avoid items that have cooled on buffets or warmers.
- Dry or packaged foods: Germs need moisture to grow. Dry foods, sealed snacks, and canned products are generally safe.
Foods That Can Be Risky
-
Raw foods: Eat only if you can peel or wash them with clean water yourself.
- Avoid pre‑cut fruits and vegetables.
- Salads often carry germs that cannot be fully washed off.
- Avoid raw salsas, sauces, and condiments containing fresh produce.
- Avoid raw seafood or meat, including ceviche.
- Street food: May not follow safe food practices. If you choose to eat it, select items cooked thoroughly and served steaming hot in front of you.
- Bushmeat: Can spread severe diseases and should always be avoided.
Diseases Spread Through Contaminated Food or Water
These illnesses occur from ingesting food or water contaminated with harmful germs or toxins. Many are spread through the fecal‑oral route.
Examples Include:
- Botulism
- Campylobacter infection
- Cholera
- Cryptosporidium infection
- Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
- Listeria infection
- Salmonella infection
- Shigella infection
- Typhoid & Paratyphoid fever
- Yersinia infection
Adapted from trusted travel health guidance.
Final Travel Guidance
Staying healthy while traveling begins with simple daily habits. By choosing safe food and water, practicing good hygiene, and being aware of local risks, you can greatly reduce your chances of developing food- or water-related illnesses.
If you do feel unwell during or after travel, seek medical care promptly—early treatment can prevent complications and speed up recovery.
