Is food poisoning common in Sri Lanka? How to prevent it?

Hello, regarding the issue of food poisoning in Sri Lanka, let me share my experiences and insights with you.

To be honest, when traveling in Sri Lanka, the probability of getting an upset stomach (mild food poisoning or traveler's diarrhea) due to food is indeed higher than in developed countries. However, this doesn't mean you'll definitely get sick, nor does it mean all the food there is unclean. Think about it: it's a tropical country, the weather is hot and humid, making it easy for bacteria to grow. Plus, hygiene standards in some places might be different from what we're used to, so those with sensitive stomachs need to be extra careful.

But don't worry, as long as you pay a little attention, you can significantly reduce the risk and happily enjoy Sri Lankan cuisine. Below are some 'life-saving' tips I've summarized, which are very practical:

How to Prevent It? Just Remember a Few Key Points

I. About 'Drinking' – This is the Most Important First Line of Defense

1. Only drink bottled water! This is an ironclad rule. Whether for drinking, rinsing your mouth, or brushing your teeth, please use unopened bottled water. When buying water, always check that the cap is intact and hasn't been tampered with.
2. Say "No" to ice! Many people overlook this. Your cola might be bottled, but the ice added to it could very well be made from tap water. So, the safest approach is to simply say "No ice, please" when ordering drinks at any restaurant or street stall.
3. Be cautious with fresh juices. Street-side fresh juices look tempting, but you don't know if the fruits used are clean, if the juicer has been washed, and most importantly—if tap water or unclean ice has been added. If you want to drink them, it's best to find a shop that looks very clean and reputable.
4. Hot drinks are generally safe. Local Ceylon tea and coffee, for example, are made with boiling water, so they are very safe and can be enjoyed without worry.

II. About 'Eating' – A Blessing for the Indecisive

1. Remember the golden rule: "Either it's fully cooked, or you can peel it yourself."

   • Fully cooked food: Hot dishes fresh from the pan, curries, grilled meats, fried snacks, etc., are very safe as high-temperature cooking kills most bacteria. Various Sri Lankan curries are simmered for a long time, making them a quite safe choice.
   • Peelable fruits: Fruits like bananas, oranges, mangoes, and papayas that you peel yourself are very safe. Fruits like strawberries and wax apples, which are washed and eaten directly, carry a higher risk.

2. How to choose street food?

   • Look for crowded places! Go where the locals queue up. High foot traffic means fresh ingredients and food that doesn't sit around for too long.
   • Watch the vendor prepare it in front of you. For example, freshly made Roti – seeing it transform from dough into a warm flatbread right before your eyes is very reassuring.
   • Avoid places with flies. Literally, if you see many flies buzzing around the food, it's best to walk away decisively.

3. What to watch out for in restaurants?

   • Avoid salads. Unless you're in a very high-end hotel, it's best to avoid salads and cold dishes outside, as vegetables are likely washed with tap water.
   • Be careful with buffets. Especially buffets where food is prepared and kept warm; if the temperature isn't high enough, and the food is exposed to the air for a long time, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
   • Seafood must be fresh. Eating seafood in coastal cities is generally fine, but in inland areas, you need to be more vigilant. Smell it before eating; if it's not fresh, abandon it without hesitation.

III. Personal Hygiene Habits

• Wash your hands frequently! Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap or hand sanitizer before eating and after using the restroom.
• Carry hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. These are absolute travel essentials and can be incredibly useful when water isn't available or convenient.

What if You Still Get Sick?

If it's just mild diarrhea, don't be too nervous.

1. Drink plenty of water: The most important thing is to rehydrate. You can buy Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) from a pharmacy and mix them with water to prevent dehydration.
2. Eat bland foods: Have easily digestible foods like plain porridge, toast, or bananas to give your stomach a rest.
3. Carry common medications: Before you leave, you can prepare some stomach medications, such as diosmectite (for diarrhea, but not vomiting) and probiotics (to regulate gut health). However, don't take anti-diarrhea medication indiscriminately; sometimes diarrhea is your body's way of expelling toxins, and stopping it forcefully can be counterproductive.

If the situation is more severe, such as severe vomiting and diarrhea, high fever, or bloody stools, don't hesitate—go to a local hospital or clinic immediately to be treated by a professional doctor.

In summary, when traveling to Sri Lanka, stomach issues are something to be aware of but not overly anxious about. As long as you're a 'discerning' foodie and stay vigilant, you'll likely avoid most pitfalls and fully enjoy the charm and cuisine of this beautiful country!