Eat and drink safely abroad, be safe
Many people suffer from an upset stomach or diarrhea because of something they have eaten or drunk abroad.
More seriously, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A can be contracted from contaminated food and water.
Don’t get ill
* Always wash your hands after going to the toilet, before handling food and before eating.
* Use bottled water if you have any doubts about the quality of the water. Check the seals are unbroken.
* Boil water or filter it using a water ‘purifier’
* Eat fresh, thoroughly cooked food that is still piping hot.
* Avoid food that has been kept warm.
You should avoid
Ice used in drinks and used to keep food cool, unless you’re sure it is made from treated or chlorinated water.
* Uncooked fruit and vegetables, unless you can peel them yourself.
* Food exposed to flies.
* Ice cream from unreliable sources, such as kiosks or mobile traders.
* Milk, cheese and other dairy products unless they are pasteurized and have been properly refrigerated.
* Undercooked or raw seafood or shellfish.
* Excessive amounts of alcohol.
Restrictions on personal food imports
It is illegal to bring any meat or milk-based products into the US, UK, AU from any country outside the America or European Union, even for your personal use.
There are also limits on bringing back other food items, including fish, shellfish, honey, poultry, eggs and certain types of fruit and vegetables.
The rules apply whether you are bringing these food items back into the country yourself, if a friend or relative is bringing them as a gift, or if they are sent in the post.
It is not worth bringing illegal food items back into the country - you risk:
* Long immigration delays
* Your items being seized and destroyed
* Possible prosecution.
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Tel: 1-215-780-1845 / Toll Free: 1-866-423-3258 / Fax: 1-215-887-0915
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