## What to Avoid Eating When Traveling to Africa
Africa is a vast and diverse continent with a wide variety of cuisines. However, there are some foods that you should avoid eating when traveling to Africa. These foods can be unsafe to eat, or they may simply not be to your taste.
### Unsafe Foods
* **Raw or undercooked meat:** Meat that is not cooked thoroughly can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. This is especially true for poultry, pork, and beef.
* **Raw or undercooked fish:** Fish that is not cooked thoroughly can contain parasites that can cause illness.
* **Unpasteurized milk and dairy products:** Unpasteurized milk and dairy products can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
* **Raw eggs:** Raw eggs can contain Salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning.
* **Unwashed fruits and vegetables:** Unwashed fruits and vegetables can contain harmful bacteria or parasites.
* **Street food:** Street food can be unsafe to eat, as it may not be cooked properly or stored at the correct temperature.
### Foods That May Not Be to Your Taste
* **Insects:** Insects are a common food source in many African countries. However, they may not be to your taste if you are not used to eating them.
* **Offal:** Offal is the term for the internal organs of animals. It is a popular food in many African countries, but it may not be to your taste if you are not used to eating it.
* **Fermented foods:** Fermented foods are a common part of many African diets. However, they may have a strong flavor that is not to everyone’s taste.
* **Spicy foods:** Many African dishes are spicy. If you are not used to eating spicy food, you may want to start with milder dishes and gradually work your way up to the hotter ones.
### Tips for Safe Eating in Africa
* **Cook your food thoroughly:** This is the best way to kill harmful bacteria.
* **Wash your hands before and after handling food:** This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria.
* **Drink bottled water:** Tap water in Africa may not be safe to drink.
* **Avoid eating street food:** Street food can be unsafe to eat, as it may not be cooked properly or stored at the correct temperature.
* **If you are unsure about whether a food is safe to eat, don’t eat it:** It’s better to be safe than sorry.
By following these tips, you can help to avoid getting sick from food when traveling to Africa.