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Nutrition and daily life

Street food and buffets: the riskiest choices

Street food and buffets are among the commonest sources of foodborne illness: food sits lukewarm for a long time, many people touch it, and water and hygiene conditions are unknown. This section explains why to avoid them during treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A blurred stall at dusk.
Figure 1.Street food — Street food and buffets: the riskiest choices

01Short answer

During treatment, especially in neutropenia, avoid street food (shawarma, doner, fried pastries, cut fruit, fresh juices, iced drinks) and buffets, salad bars and open snack tables. At weddings and gatherings choose only freshly cooked dishes served hot; avoid salads, cold starters and desserts that have stood on the table. When travelling or at work, take hot food from home in a thermos. At celebrations you can take the first serving, before many people have touched the food.

02Simple explanation

No street food.

No buffets or salad bars.

At gatherings: hot and fresh.

A thermos from home.

03Scientific explanation

WHO: street food and foods held lukewarm for long periods are a significant source of foodborne illness.

WHO: foodborne illness is more severe in people with weakened immunity; the five keys are keep clean, separate, cook thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures, and use safe water and raw materials.

04What happens in the body?

Weddings

Ask family in advance to set aside a safe plate for you.

Open trays in shadow.
Figure 2.A buffet — Street food and buffets: the riskiest choices

Jams and sweets

Factory products in sealed packs are safer.

A lunch box with a thermos.
Figure 3.Hot food from home — Street food and buffets: the riskiest choices

Neutropenia

When neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.

General rules

This section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

05Safety: four steps

Check, swap the risky, prepare properly, use in time.

Check — Date and condition.1CheckDate and condition.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Prepare — Clean and thorough.3PrepareClean and thorough.
In time — No delay.4In timeNo delay.
CleanHands and surfaces.
CookGerms die.
ColdGrowth slows.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
WeddingsAsk family in advance to set aside a safe plate for you.
Jams and sweetsFactory products in sealed packs are safer.
NeutropeniaWhen neutrophils are low, even ordinary germs can cause serious infection, which is why the rules are stricter.
General rulesThis section is part of the general food-safety rules in “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices” and “Food safety: four simple rules”.

07Key terms

Buffet
Food kept in open trays for a long time.
Thermos
A container that keeps food hot.
Foodborne infection
An infection spread through food or water.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Avoid street food.
  • Be selective at gatherings.
  • Bring food from home.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.
  • Call if you have a fever.

09Frequently asked questions

Is tea at a teahouse OK?

Hot tea usually is; avoid ice, cream and uncovered sweets.

What can I eat at a wedding?

Fresh hot plov, kebab (well done), soup.

Are these rules for ever?

No. They are usually relaxed as blood counts recover; your team will say.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is tea at a teahouse OK?

  2. What can I eat at a wedding?

  3. Are these rules for ever?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization. Five Keys to Safer Food manual
  2. World Health Organization. Food safety fact sheet
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Safe Food Handling
  4. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  5. JCO Oncology Practice, 2026. Neutropenic Diet Versus Liberalized Diet in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nausea and Vomiting Related to Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  7. American Cancer Society. Nausea and Vomiting
  8. American Cancer Society. Poor Appetite
  9. American Cancer Society. Taste and Smell Changes
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Nausea and Vomiting
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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