Information Bulletin
How to Beat Barbeque Bugs
As summer and the Gala and Regatta season approaches many people will be getting into the spirit and holding barbeques, the message from Environmental Health this summer is don't get caught out by an undercooked banger or burger.
Research shows that UK food poisoning figures almost double during summer months, jumping from a weekly average of 1,201 in January to 2,168 in June. This leap may be linked to our increasing enjoyment of cooking and eating 'al fresco', particularly during the summer months.
Environmental Health are encouraging people to make use of three simple food hygiene tips when cooking food outside:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food, after touching raw meat and before eating.
- Raw meats can contain harmful bacteria and should be separated from cooked and prepacked food.
- Barbecued food may look well cooked when it isn't. Burgers, sausages and chicken should be cut open and checked. If necessary continue cooking.
Dawn Manson Lead EHO says 'Barbecues are an excellent way to unwind and have fun in the summer but they can be disastrous if you do get food poisoning. The main food poisoning bugs cause severe stomach cramps, sickness and diarrhoea.
'It is not surprising that we see a peak in food related illness this time of year. Many harmful bacteria grow in warmer conditions turning our food into a potential health hazard. People also forget to wash their hands frequently and to keep raw meats away from salad and fruit to prevent cross contamination. Just by spending a few extra minutes making sure food is well prepared and cooked through, could save days of stomach upset misery. With a little extra hygiene care, barbecues can be safe, fun and enjoyable for all.'
To encourage good hand hygiene at your event this summer Environmental Health have three portable wash hand basins which are available to hire for £10 for charitable, community and voluntary organisations events. Businesses can also hire them at a reasonable rate. For further information on hire of Wash Hand Basins or food hygiene advice contact 01595 744800.
ENDS.