Posted by Ted Thornhill, Mailonline Travel Editor
April 13, 2024 14:00, updated April 13, 2024 14:00
Do you want to try some local specialties while traveling abroad?
Before you unwind, heed the handy advice on how to avoid food poisoning in the pages of Lonely Planet's Travel Hacks Handbook.
The chapter titled 'Food Hygiene 101' features 'Easy travel hacks to avoid an upset stomach in Delhi'.
Here we reveal some of the important tips. Good appetite!
ice
The book says, “Avoid the water used to make ice unless you are 100 percent sure of its origin.”
“If you're particular about ice, go to a fine dining restaurant or international fast food chain.”
ice cream, eggs, dairy products
“Ice cream and other dairy products can be dangerous,” the book warns.[so] Avoid ice cream unless you are sure it has not been thawed and refrozen.
“Avoid unpasteurized milk and raw eggs to avoid salmonella, E. coli, listeria monocytogenes, and campylobacter.”
seafood
“How far are you from the ocean? If you go more than 160 kilometers (100 miles) in a tropical country, you're entering food poisoning territory,” the book warns.
He added that if you see a fish on display, there are warning signs that the fish is out, including sliminess, dull color, strong odor, and cloudy, sunken eyes.
meat and chicken
Are you interested in red meat? The book says it is “generally safe to eat” but warns to be careful with raw meat “unless it is eaten safely by local residents”.
Chicken, on the other hand, is “more at risk” and “be sure to cut it open before biting to ensure it's cooked through.”
fruit and salad
The Travel Hacks Handbook says, “Avoid salads and pre-cut fruit unless you're sure they've been washed with purified water.” “If you buy it yourself, please peel it yourself.”
juice? “It's a dangerous proposition,” the book adds.
rice
“We're serious,” declares the Travel Hack Handbook. “Reheated rice can be a gamble because some of the bacteria that grow on rice produce toxins that are not destroyed by heating.”
The Travel Hack Handbook (from £12.99) is available at: shop.lonelyplanet.com/en-gb or “Where all the good books are sold.”
