Many Macao residents would opt for an out-of-town family trip during summer vacations. However, when away from home, it is especially important that we observe the keys to food safety. Consumption of unclean or undercooked food may cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, etc. To prevent food poisoning, travellers are advised to pay special attention to personal, food and environmental hygiene.

Personal Hygiene

1.       Maintain good personal hygiene practices;

2.       Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or handling food, after using the toilet, sneezing or getting in contact with other filth;

3.       Wet your hands under running water and apply liquid soap to your hands. Rub your hands together to make a soapy lather and rub your palms, back of your hands, spaces in between fingers, back of fingers, thumbs, fingertips and wrists for at least 20 seconds. Do not rinse hands while rubbing; rinse your hands under running water afterwards and dry your hands;

Food and Environmental Hygiene

1.       Drink only boiled water or bottled water, canned or bottled drinks and pasteurized dairy products. Before drinking, make sure that the seal is not broken, the package is not damaged and the product has not passed its expiry date;

2.       Do not purchase food and drinks from unlicensed street vendors;

3.       When eating out, pay attention to the sanitation conditions of the restaurant. Choose restaurants with good environmental hygiene only;

4.       Food should be thoroughly cooked before eating and should be consumed as soon as possible. Do not eat food that has been kept at room temperature;

5.       As cold food, such as ice cream, salad, sashimi and sliced fruit, does not require heat treatment before consumption, it is especially important that we pay attention to the storage conditions and temperature of such food;

6.       Fruit should be thoroughly washed and peeled before consumption.

          Lastly, attention to food hygiene is particularly important while travelling to regions or countries with poorer sanitation conditions. Try to avoid drinks with ice cubes and fruit juices that have been prepared beforehand. Under no circumstances should travellers consume food with doubtful conditions. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea and vomiting, develop after eating or drinking.