5 food items you should avoid buying at the airport

Although buying food at the airport is super convenient and offers various types of cuisines and food items to satisfy passengers' cravings, it's important to exercise caution.

Here are some foods you may want to avoid or be cautious about when making airport food choices.

1. Deli meats and pre-packaged sandwiches

• While pre-packaged sandwiches are readily available at many airport shops and offer a quick meal on-the-go, they may not always be as fresh or flavorful as you'd hope.
• Additionally, the packaged meats in these sandwiches could potentially harbor harmful listeria, especially if they've been sitting out for an extended period.

2. Salads

• Opting for a salad over less healthy options like burgers, pizzas, and fries may seem like a healthier choice that won't leave you feeling guilty, but be cautious.

• Leafy green salads can sometimes be a breeding ground for harmful germs, which can lead to food poisoning.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits can be contaminated with harmful germs that may not be completely eliminated even after washing.
• These germs can also spread to other items in the salad. Eating contaminated raw greens, fruits, or vegetables without cooking them first, such as in a salad or sandwich, carries a higher risk of bacterial infection.

3. A large cup of coffee

• If you have a craving for coffee, it's advisable to satisfy it before heading to the airport.

• Consuming coffee or other diuretic beverages before your flight might lead to inconvenient restroom breaks during boarding or taxiing on the runway.

• Coffee can also increase feelings of anxiety or jitteriness, as well as contribute to dehydration.

• If you have a long-haul flight or plan to sleep during your journey, consuming coffee at the airport may not be the best idea, as caffeine can interfere with your ability to fall asleep, potentially exacerbating jet lag.

4. Overly salty foods

• Indulging in foods high in salt, like French fries or pretzels, while at the airport and during your flight might not be the wisest choice.
• Excessive salt intake can lead to bloating, gas, or an upset stomach, which can be uncomfortable when confined to a small seat for an extended period.
• High sodium intake can also result in water retention and mild swelling in the feet and ankles, particularly during long flights.
• Salt has a known thirst-inducing effect, and consuming salty foods can worsen dehydration, leaving you feeling even more parched during your flight.

5. Sushi

• It's advisable to steer clear of raw or undercooked fish, shellfish, and dishes containing raw or undercooked seafood, such as sushi and sashimi, when dining at the airport.

• Airport sushi may not always meet the freshness standards you'd expect because it may have been prepared off-site or transported from a distance.
• Proper temperature control is essential for ensuring the safety of raw seafood in sushi. Airport sushi might not always be stored or handled under ideal conditions, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• If you've never tried sushi or raw seafood before, it's best to avoid it while traveling to prevent potential digestive discomfort.

Tip: Avoid overly greasy or heavy foods as they can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable during your flight. Are there any other food items that you believe one should avoid while at the airport before boarding a flight?