Do you have to worry about eating anything or drinking the water in Italy. I have been to the Bahamas a few times and once came home with a parasite, and two times got sick when I was there. It may sound stupid but are there any problems in Italy?

HI A,

With the exception drinking the water from the community fountains, which the natives do, I don't think that there is anything that you need to worry about in Italy.

The tap water is perfectly OK, mostly.

The title of this post made me smile. If you ate everything in Italy, wouldn't all the Italians have to go hungry?

The water from the town and city fountains is also fine. It is not only the "natives" who drink this.

azurre, Loved your answer...

Italy is a developed country. Perhaps this surprises you, but it is true. Italy has public utilities, sanitation facilities, and regulations just like any other developed country.

...and is #2 on the WHO list for best health care in the world (compared to #37 for the United States).

I certainly understand the question (although the title made me laugh too).

I enjoyed drinking from every public fountain I could find in Rome. In June, it was necessary, and exceedingly refreshing.

I have traveled to Costa Rica and Africa where I am MUCH more careful.

No worries in Italy.

Well, I do drink bottled water when I travel anywhere. It's not about tap water being "bad" it's about it being different from what you are used to.

That said, I don't have any concerns about food in Europe (not like in Mexico).

Well I always drink the tap water and lots of it, and I never seem to get sick. Some have suggested that it is partly because drinking the local tap water helps provide you with "antibodies" that may ward off local illnesses. Don't know if that's true, but it's a good thought and I'm sticking to it.

Funny interpretation, azzure. I've been to Italy a few times and returned thinking I had TRIED to eat everything in Italy. Maybe you will have more success, Annej.

It's at least as safe (if not safer) to eat (and drink) in Italy than it is in the US -- and I've been visiting for over 30 years, and I have a sensitive metabolism. Ingredients much fresher, much less processed, and prepared with much more expertise. Italian-American food does not compare, btw.

I feel that a lot of "traveler's diarrhea" and stomach upsets are caused, not by tainted food, but by overindulgence in food and drink when one is tired, has jet lag and is trying to keep up with a hectic schedule.

It's generally safe to eat without concern in Italy. I drink bottled water out of habit.

I much prefer to drink the water in France and Italy than here at home in FL. Ours tastes so bad that you have to leave it sit out to get rid of the chemicals.

Like Patrick, maybe drinking tap water at home for 60 years, we've built up an immunity.
Thinking of all the plastic bottles laying about waiting to disintegrate makes me sicker than even the water would.

I've made several trips to Italy and even lived just outside of Florence for a short time. I have never had any problems with anything I ate or drank while there. And...I wish I could eat everything in Italy, because everything I HAVE eaten has tasted wonderfully delicious!

BC

I have a few annoying food allergies (fructose intollerance to name one) and a sensative stomache and I have never had any problems in Italy, with the exception of perhaps a little too much gelato a few times (is there such a thing?) . As mentioned above, the ingredients are generally fresher and less processed than here in the states. And I've taken drinks from the water fountains and lived to tell about it, so they are fine as well. I'm with Jody on the water bottle thing.

Tracy

<i>Well, I do drink bottled water when I travel anywhere. It's not about tap water being &quot;bad&quot; it's about it being different from what you are used to.</i>

I don't understand. Unless you bring your own brand of bottled water from home, the water is still going to be completely <b>different</b>.

The tap water is perfectly fine. However, the tiny organisms are possibly different than the ones at home and your stomach might rebel.

Stay with bottled water,beer,and wine.

&quot;Can I eat everything in Italy?&quot;
Please, don't, leave something for me!!!

Now, seriously, I had no problems with the water in Italy, but can't stand the taste of tap water in most US cities. Too much chlorum?

kerouac - Before every Italian trip, I only drink S. Pellegrino at home for 2 months.

Just kidding.

Been there a slew of times. I think I did eat everything because after each trip my pants were really tight on the flight home and for the next two weeks. It was so good, I wish I had eaten more.

One reason why I don't want to go back to Italy is the food is there is too much to eat, and at my age, it is harder to take it off.