Hi, I'm supposed to be traveling through the UK, France, and Italy from mid July to mid-August. I'm worried about the risk of getting sick from this new out brake. What/where can I eat (as a hotel guest and tourist) that will be safe and I can feel sure about. Do you reccomend postponing until all this e coli is under control?
Posted by
Washington, DC
888 posts
This is being discussed on this thread: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/68695/e-coli-outbreak-in-europe.html. Go to it and check out the posts on this topic. Bottom line, no one can tell you what to do or that you will be safe or not. If it were me, I would go on my travels and not worry about it too much. Chances are you will be safe and sound. There probably was an e coli outbreak in your community within the last year that you are not aware of (i.e., CA lettuce was recalled from Hawaii last spring because of e coli contamination). Avoid the raw veggies linked to the outbreak, wash hands, be aware of symptoms, and buy travel insurance. Above all, have fun, you are going to some lovely places.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
As Maryam said, replies to this post should hopefully be posted under the lengthy discussion already going on, Click Here.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32349 posts
Joy, I'll also be travelling in northern Germany in a few months, and have no intention of postponing my holiday! I'll be more careful with dining choices though. I'm hoping they at least identify the source in the next few days. The original theory that Cucumbers from Spain were the problem appears to be incorrect. Cheers!
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
I saw today they are pointing to bean sprouts grown locally in Germany as the culprit of the outbreak. They haven't proved it yet but all the sources had recently received shipments of the sprouts before the outbreaks began.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Updated: Now saying the source is most likely not bean sprouts, which I guess puts them back at square one.