British doctor reveals the food and drinks to avoid at all-inclusive hotel buffets – or risk food poisoning on holiday

Scottish Sun

4 hours ago

Plus, our Sun-approved booking tips, plane hacks and travel products
STAY SAFE British doctor reveals the food and drinks to avoid at all-inclusive hotel buffets – or risk food poisoning on holiday
ONE GP has revealed the dos and don'ts on holiday for anyone wanting to stay healthy - and it's mostly avoiding certain food and drinks.
Dr Masarat Jilani is a resident doctor at Jude whose expertise is about gut health and here's how to avoid falling ill on your next break.
Advertisement
6
It can be hard to stay healthy during a holiday - but food and drink plays a big part
Credit: Alamy
6
Avoid certain bits of the buffet, especially anything that's been sitting out
Credit: Alamy
Millions of Brits will soon be jetting off on their summer holidays, and if you want to stay in tip top health, abide by these simple rules.
The first, be wary of the all-inclusive buffet.
Plates upon plates of enticing foods might look tempting, but they can come with health risks.
If you do want to eat from the buffet, choose carefully. For example any lukewarm food, especially meat, fish, eggs, and dairy-heavy dishes may have been sitting out for a while will come with a health risk.
Advertisement
Avoid other items like unpasteurised local cheese, cream-based desserts that haven't been properly refrigerated, and ice cream that has started to melt.
Anything that looks like it should be chilled or frozen but has been left out is also a red flag.
As for seafood, only eat it if it's very fresh, and thoroughly cooked, Dr Masarat Jilani also urged caution to those tempted to try sushi for the first time.
Finally, don't overload your plate just because it's 'free' as overeating in the heat is likely to leave you feeling unwell.
Advertisement
Generally speaking, it's safer to stick with bottled water abroad when it comes to keeping hydrated - and for brushing your teeth too.
Also avoid ice in drinks unless it's definitely from purified water - and you can just ask at the bar about this.
Gran Canaria all-inclusive
6
Take supplements to keep your gut healthy
Credit: Alamy
6
Avoid overdoing it with alcohol and opt for something else instead
Credit: Alamy
Advertisement
When it comes to drinks, check the seals on bottled drinks to ensure they haven't been refilled or tampered with.
Another source of water to watch is at the salad bar.
Unless you're confident the vegetables have been washed in safe, bottled water, assume they haven't.
Everyone should have good hygiene, but it's important when away to wash hands more frequently, and it's recommended to use hand sanitiser.
Advertisement
Make sure little ones are washing hands properly as well and not just rushing back to the pool or beach.
To keep your gut ticking along, consider taking a probiotic supplement before and during your trip.
This is especially good for travellers with sensitive stomachs because they can help strengthen your gut's natural defences ahead of any disruption - like travelling.
The effectiveness does vary, so the GP warns that it's not a "licence to eat anything and everything".
Advertisement
Including natural sources of probiotics such as kefir, yoghurt with live cultures, and fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut, may offer a more consistent benefit.
Most holidaymakers like a drink on holiday, but excess alcohol can lower resistance to stomach bugs.
6
Wash and sanitise hands even more regularly whilst on holiday
Credit: Alamy
While it can be tempting to make the most of the all-inclusive bar, remember to pace yourself, especially in hot climates.
Advertisement
Heat exhaustion or dehydration can have similar symptoms to food poisoning, and alcohol poisoning can be even more serious.
Even if drinks are poured from branded bottles, they may have been refilled with stronger, unregulated local versions.
That means you could be drinking a higher percentage of alcohol than you realise - so go slow and stay hydrated by drinking lots of bottled water throughout the day.
Dr Masarat Jilani added: 'First of all, it's worth remembering that not all gut problems abroad are caused by food poisoning.
Advertisement
"Our digestive systems thrive on routine, and the disruption of travel can change the way they behave."
She continued to suggest easing yourself in slowly to the holiday routine and not dive straight in with over-eating.
"Having an upset stomach while on holiday is unpleasant, but will usually pass within a couple of days.
"If symptoms persist or worsen ask the hotel to contact a doctor, especially if you've got a fever or signs of dehydration.'
Advertisement
Plus, our Sun-approved booking tips, plane hacks and travel products.
And these are the 11 most common illnesses you can catch on holiday.