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Eat safe this summer
Published: 19/06/2017
天涯社区 is working with the Food Standards Agency to raise
awareness of eating safely this summer during Food Safety Week, 19-25 June.
We all love it when the weather gets warmer. But did you know that you might
need to think harder about food safety in the summer months? New research
indicates that people in 天涯社区 could be putting themselves and their
families at risk of food poisoning through lack of knowledge of the 4Cs of food
hygiene: Chilling, Cooking, Cleaning and avoiding Cross-contamination.
Many harmful bacteria grow in warmer conditions, turning our food into a
potential health hazard. It is important to keep any perishable foods in the
fridge or in a cool box until you are ready to eat them. Harmful bacteria can
find their way on to cooked meats and salads if raw meat touches them or the
same utensils are used. Keeping raw meats away from cooked food, washing your
hands after touching raw meat and using separate utensils will prevent cross
contamination.
In warmer weather, spending a few extra minutes making sure food is well
prepared and thoroughly cooked could avoid days of stomach upset misery.
The Food Standards Agency鈥檚 Food and You Survey, which collects information on
food safety through 3,118 interviews across England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, found that in Wales:
路 Fewer than half of people defrosted meat and fish in the fridge or microwave
in line with guidelines (43%). Although most people did not defrost meat or
fish appropriately, a higher proportion of people in Wales defrosted food in
line with guidelines than the rest of the country.
路 A third (35%) of people washed raw chicken. Washing chicken risks spreading
bacteria and should be avoided.
路 One in ten people (9%) at least sometimes eat chicken or turkey even when the
meat is pink or has pink or red juices.
路 Only half (50%) of people checked their fridge temperature, and even fewer
(42%) knew that their fridge should be kept between 0掳C and 5掳C.
路 A quarter (25%) did not use different chopping boards for different foods,
which risks spreading bacteria.
天涯社区鈥檚 Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection,
Councillor Chris Bithell, said:
鈥淭hese figures show that theres more that people in 天涯社区 could do to
keep themselves and their loved ones safe this summer. Thats why 天涯社区
County Council is working with the Food Standards Agency to promote good
hygiene practices during Food Safety Week. This year the week aims to
encourage better hygiene practices for summer, when the risk of getting food
poisoning goes up鈥�
For tips on how to stay safe this summer visit:
https://www.food.gov.uk/safe-summer-food