Careful Eating (BP6)

Careful Eating  

One of Thailand's gems is the delicious street food, served on almost every street you drift upon. While this may seem perfect, there is a crucial aspect of safety at risk: food-borne illness common in street food.

What is it?

Food-borne illnesses are caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites in contaminated food or water. They cause stomach issues, diarrhoea, dehydration and vomiting. Although there is no method of consuming street food entirely risk-free, there are certain precautions that minimises the risk of catching a food-borne illness.

Basics of food poisoning - (iHasco, 2020)

Minimising risk

Firstly, only drink bottled water. Minimum consumption of tap water significantly minimises the risk of water-borne illnesses such as cholera, hepatitis, diarrhoea and typhoid fever. 

Koi Pla (Raw Fish Salad) and Yum Pla Sod (Sashimi salad) are examples of some delicious uncooked dishes. However, these all pose a significant risk if not prepared correctly. Primarily indulging in fully cooked dishes reduces the risk of food poisoning. 

Wait in line! Busier vendors indicate higher food safety standards. Additionally, vendors with faster food turnover rates (food cooked instantly rather than prepared previously) can reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses.

Koi Pla - Shutterstock.com

What to do next:

Firstly, if you are displaying any symptoms, it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY to seek medical attention. While symptoms may seem negligible, many cases have escalated into life-threatening conditions. 

Otherwise, some responses include staying hydrated, plentiful rest and over-the-counter medicine (with caution). Although physical risk is primarily affected, the other six mentioned by Schiffman and Kanuk (1991) are of equal importance and must be considered. Travel and risk are inherently linked. It is how we prepare and deal with it that makes us smarter travellers.

symptoms of food poisoning - www.cdc.gov/food-safety/signs-symptoms/index.html

For more information:                                                                                https://wellmedbangkok.com/diarrhea-and-food-poisoning/

References: 

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 14). Symptoms of Food Poisoning. Food Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/signs-symptoms/index.html

   iHasco. (2020, September 8). Food Poisoning & Foodborne Illness | Symptoms and High-Risk Foods | iHASCO [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6F-wg9ESEE

    Lalaine Altar. (2024, April 8). Can You Drink the Water in Thailand? Watertogousa.com; Water to Go. https://watertogousa.com/blogs/all/can-you-drink-the-water-in-thailand

Schiffman, L. G., & Lazar, L. K. (1991). Consumer behavior (4th ed.). Prentice Hall. Retrieved from https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=3515546

    Team, W. C. (2023, January 16). Diarrhea and Food Poisoning during travel Thailand 2024. Wellmedbangkok.com. https://wellmedbangkok.com/diarrhea-and-food-poisoning