Is non-vegetarian food unsafe while travelling? Here's what experts say

Travelling exposes us to diverse cuisines, cultures, and food habits. Though non-vegetarian food forms a major portion of many cuisines, it raises safety concerns when consumed during travel. Experts weigh in on the risks and precautions associated with eating non-vegetarian food on the go.
Perishable nature of meat
Non-vegetarian food, especially meat, poultry, and seafood, is highly perishable. Improper storage, inadequate refrigeration, or prolonged exposure to warm temperatures can lead to bacterial growth, making the food unsafe.
Unfamiliar cooking standards
Different regions follow varying hygiene and cooking standards. Consuming undercooked or poorly handled meat can expose travellers to food-borne illnesses such as salmonella or E. coli infections.

Cultural differences in ingredients
Travelling abroad might mean encountering unfamiliar meats or preparation methods. Without knowledge of local cooking practices, it can be challenging to gauge whether the food is cooked safely.
Street food risks
Street vendors often serve delicious but sometimes unhygienically prepared non-vegetarian dishes. Contaminated cooking environments or reheated meats can increase health risks.
Expert opinions on non-vegetarian food safety
Experts agree that non-vegetarian food is not intrinsically unsafe during travel, but safety depends on many factors:



Check storage and temperature
Ensure that the food has been stored and cooked at appropriate temperatures. The meat should be served hot; it should not be at room temperature for long periods.

Avoid uncooked meats
Avoid raw or undercooked meats, particularly in unknown places. Cooked foods are less likely to have harmful bacteria.
Stick to fresh seafood
If eating seafood, the fish should be fresh and ready in a hygienic state. Spoiled seafood causes deadly food poisoning.
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Carrying probiotics and medications
Just in case, probiotics can be carried to support the digestion process while medicines for diarrhoea or even food poisoning.

While the food itself can be safe provided precautions are taken, opting for vegetarian dishes in travel often reduces risks. It is easier to digest, it is less perishable and certainly less likely to be contaminated; hence, safer in unknown territories.

The verdict
Non-vegetarian food is not unsafe in itself during travelling, but safety is assured based on hygiene, storage, and cooking standards. Thus, one may opt for reliable places and avoid raw dishes while maintaining the vigilance of food culture at the place being visited. If in doubt, then seek advice from the local people, have the vegetarian variant, or pack your snacks.