Ten Rules for Eating Food Overseas

If you have traveled, you have experienced this scenario: The host wants to provide a nice meal, it is placed in front of you and you are not sure whether you will spend the next few days sick if you eat it. Generally speaking, here are some rules for you to live by:

“The host wants to provide a nice meal, it is placed in front of you and you are not sure whether you will spend the next few days sick if you eat it. Generally speaking, here are some rules for you to live by:”

Rule 1: Use your common sense and keep in mind general expiration-date timeframes with food you are familiar with.

Rule 2: Don’t eat any raw meat.

Rule 3: Don’t eat any raw vegetables, unless you know they have been properly disinfected.

Rule 4: Be especially cautious with dairy products and eggs. If in doubt, don't eat (or drink) them.

Rule 5: Don't eat any fruit that comes to you already peeled.

Rule 6: Just as in the U.S., but more important overseas, wash your hands before you eat. It is good to always have some hand-sanitizer on hand in order to wash before eating.

Rule 7: Even if something has been cooked, if it has cooled to room temperature and you don't know when it was cooked, it is better not to eat it.

Rule 8: Never drink tap water.

Rule 9: Never use ice in your drink.

Rule 10: Don't drink any beverage from a container that is not sealed.