Global Food Safety Guide
Essential food safety tips to stay healthy while enjoying culinary adventures abroad.
Universal Food Safety Tips
Check for Food Safety Ratings
Research restaurants online and look for food safety ratings or reviews from other travelers.
Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands with soap before eating, especially when street food is involved.
Bottled Water
In regions with questionable water quality, use bottled water even for brushing teeth.
Hot Foods Hot, Cold Foods Cold
Ensure hot foods are served steaming hot and cold foods are properly refrigerated.
Raw Foods
Be cautious with raw foods, particularly in regions where food handling standards may vary.
Shellfish Caution
Shellfish can spoil quickly; only eat if you're confident in the source and preparation.
Region-Specific Food Safety
Americas
Food safety varies greatly from country to country. Research specific local recommendations.
Asia
Be cautious with tap water in most countries. Street food is often safe if freshly prepared at high-traffic stalls.
Europe
Generally high food safety standards, but be aware of unpasteurized dairy products in traditional cuisines.
Oceania
Generally good food safety standards, but be cautious with seafood and raw foods in remote areas.
High-Risk Foods by Region
Africa
Drink only bottled or purified water - Tap water in Egypt is not safe for tourists to drink; always use sealed bottled water even for brushing teeth.
Drink bottled or purified water only - Tap water is generally not safe for tourists to drink in Morocco; stick to sealed bottled water.
Drink bottled water - Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water with sealed caps for drinking and brushing teeth, and avoid ice in drinks unless at high-end establishments.
Eat fully cooked food - Ensure all meat and fish are thoroughly cooked. Avoid raw or undercooked foods to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Drink bottled water only - Tap water is not safe for visitors to drink. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish. - Raw shellfish can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning.
Drink bottled or purified water only - Tap water in Rwanda is not safe for visitors to drink. Stick to bottled water with sealed caps or properly purified water.
Americas
Be cautious of wild mushrooms. - Only consume wild mushrooms identified by an expert. Many species are poisonous and can cause severe illness or death.
Drink bottled water only - Tap water is generally not safe for tourists to drink in Mexico. Always use bottled water with sealed caps for drinking and brushing teeth.
Drink bottled or purified water - Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in remote areas.
Drink bottled water - Tap water is not safe to drink in most areas. Stick to bottled water with sealed caps and avoid ice in drinks outside of high-end restaurants and hotels.
Asia
Fugu (pufferfish) should only be eaten when prepared by licensed chefs - Fugu contains deadly toxins and must be properly prepared by licensed, trained chefs. Only eat at reputable, licensed restaurants.
Drink bottled or purified water only - Tap water is not safe for drinking in Vietnam. Use bottled water even for brushing teeth.
Drink bottled or filtered water only - Tap water in India is generally not safe for tourists to drink. Always use bottled water with sealed caps or properly filtered water.
Drink bottled or purified water - Tap water in Thailand is generally not safe for drinking. Stick to bottled water with intact seals, even for brushing teeth.
Avoid tap water - Tap water is not safe to drink in the Philippines. Stick to bottled water with sealed caps and avoid ice in drinks unless at higher-end establishments.
Drink Bottled Water - Tap water is generally not safe to drink in Saudi Arabia. Stick to bottled or purified water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and even washing fruits and vegetables.
Drink bottled or purified water - Tap water in Indonesia is not safe for consumption. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Ensure bottle seals are intact when purchasing.
Europe
Be aware of raw pork consumption - Some traditional German dishes like "Mett" contain raw minced pork. While regulated, these carry higher risks than cooked meat.
Be mindful of wild mushrooms - Foraging for mushrooms is a popular activity in Poland, but never consume wild mushrooms unless collected by an experienced forager.
Oceania
Be cautious with foods that have been left at room temperature - Proper food storage and temperature control are strictly enforced in Australia. Cold foods must be kept below 5°C and hot foods above 60°C to prevent bacterial growth. Food establishments must have proper refrigeration and temperature monitoring systems in place.
Traveler Preparation
Before You Travel
- Research common foodborne illnesses at your destination
- Pack a basic medical kit with treatments for stomach issues
- Consider travel health insurance that covers foodborne illness
- Learn basic phrases related to food allergies or dietary needs in the local language
During Your Trip
- Observe local eating customs and follow what locals do
- Start with small portions of new foods to test your tolerance
- Stay hydrated with safe drinking water
- Know the location of the nearest medical facility