Planning a trip to some exciting locale such as southern Asia, Africa, The Caribbean, Mexico, or another Latin America country? Think before you eat! Traveler’s diarrhea is a common problem for vacationers, particularly those visiting developing tropical or semitropical countries, and it can turn a fantasy trip into mystery. The usual culprit is bacteria in contaminated food and water – and the main defense is to be cautions about what you put in your mouth. Here, some guidelines.
Safe
- Freshly prepared dishes served steaming hot
- Meats cooked to order, not rewarmed
- Fruits you peel yourself (never eat the peel)
- Breads and baked goods
- Hot tea and coffee
- Bottled or boiled water
- Bottled or canned soft drinks, juices, etc
Unsafe
- Tap water (even for brushing your teeth)
- Ice (even when mixed with alcohol)
- Uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruits
- Cold salads
- Buffets
- Food sold by street vendors
- All foods that are rewarmed
