I'm a doctor - here are five popular foods you should NEVER bring to the beach if you don't want to get sick

An ER doctor has revealed the five foods you should never bring along with you on a trip to the beach - warning that doing so could result in severe illness.  

Medical expert and NBC correspondent Dr. John Torres frequently shares health advice on all manner of topics, and he has now turned his expertise towards the summer season.  

As the warm weather approaches and families throw on their swimsuits to enjoy a sandy day at the beach, Dr. John has cautioned parents and sunshine lovers on what they need to avoid to ensure they don't ruin their day. 

While speaking to NBC, the medical pro explained that there are five foods that you should never bring with you so don't end up sick on the sand. 

The doctor advised against packing any cold cuts, fresh fruits, salads, raw meats and anything mayo-based in your beach bag. 

He told the outlet: 'The last thing you want is for people to go home and remember the beach trip because they got sick.' 

According to the US Department of Agriculture, leaving foods out at room temperature can bacteria like E. coli and salmonella to grow, meaning that anyone devouring those foods can result in diarrhea and vomiting. 

To avoid this, the doctor went through the foods he advises you avoid during a beach day - explaining his reasons for cautioning against each one. 

Beginning with cold cuts, Dr. John said that deli meats or cold cuts like sliced turkey, ham, chicken, roast beef, salami, bacon or bologna, must be refrigerated until ready for consumption. 

He noted that while keeping sandwiches in a cooler is a less risky choice, they should still be kept in the fridge at home up until the very last minute to avoid falling ill. 

His next food that he suggests you avoid is fresh salad.

According to the CDC, vegetables and fruits have resulted in a large amount of listeria cases. 

And although washing lettuce and other veggies can decrease the risk, the doctor noted that the dangerous bacteria thrives in the heat, meaning it shouldn't be consumed after being left out of the refrigerator. 

Next, Dr. John warned beach lovers about the dangers of anything mayo-based. 

He said: 'Mayo-based potato salad is always one of those big things that cause a lot of issues.' 

Although mayo doesn't need to be kept in the refrigerator, according to the USDA, the ER doctor notes that it's risky to consume anything mayo-based if it has been kept outside - especially in warmer temperatures. 

The health expert also crushed the heart of beach lovers when he revealed that they should avoid grilling. 

Although many people head to the beach to enjoy a BBQ alongside the ocean, Dr. John noted that the sunshine can cause bacteria to grow on the raw meat. 

He noted that while he doesn't recommend you bring it along with you on your beach trip, if you decide to, you should keep it in a cooler and avoid placing it in the same cooler with other foods. 

He recommends you bring a thermometer with you to the beach if you're planning on cooking. 

According to the USDA, beef and fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees, while poultry should be cooked at 165 degrees. 

Lastly, Dr. John cautioned people about bringing precut fruit to the beach.

He said that precut fruit can have foodborne allergens like salmonella. 

Fruits that often have this bacteria include cantaloupe, melon,  peaches, and watermelon. 

According to Dr. John, warm fruit can attract insects, so you should keep it refrigerated. 

Another option is to bring the whole fruit along with you and cut it yourself. 

The ER doctor suggested that you pack drinks and foods in separate coolers, avoid bringing leftovers and bring a food thermometer.