Food Safety Week starts today

Common misconceptions about food poisoning are to be targeted as Food Safety Week kicks off in Edinburgh this week.

A national survey carried out by the Food Standards Agency alarmingly suggests that the public are putting themselves at risk of food poisoning because of some commonly held food safety myths.

A range of questions about food safety were used to gauge public knowledge on food safety. They included the truth about ‘use by’ dates and the ‘five second rule’ for food dropped on the floor.

Across the country, findings show more than half (57 per cent) believe that we can tell if food is safe to eat just by its appearance or smell. While, a third (37 per cent) thought that ‘use by’ dates are put on food packaging to encourage shoppers to throw it out so they have to buy more.

In an effort to raise public awareness, the Council is hosting displays in city centre libraries where the public will have access to more information about food safety myths and a free fridge thermometer.

Libraries taking part in the information displays include; Central, McDonald Road, Leith, Newington, Stockbridge and Fountainbridge.

A newsletter is also going out to schools to remind young people of the importance of food safety.

Councillor Robert Aldridge, Environment Leader for the City of Edinburgh Council said: “We should never be complacent about food safety. As the weather gets warmer and more people think about venturing outside for barbecues, the number of food poisoning cases tends to increase. To help combat this problem there are a few simple things the public can do to keep themselves and their families safe. The Council are delighted to be taking part in these public information events which aim to highlight the simple common sense steps people can take to avoid getting ill.”

Bob Martin, a food safety expert at the Food Standards Agency, said: “‘Getting food poisoning is pretty miserable but for some people can be very dangerous. There are about a million cases every year and we’re working hard with food producers, processors and retailers to bring that number down. With Food Safety Week starting today we hope this research will help people think about what they do and better separate fact from fiction in their kitchens.”

Food Safety Week runs from Monday 6 June to Sunday 12 June.

There are 850,000 cases of food poisoning a year in the UK.

Freshers and Food

The Food4life campaign starts again this month to promote healthy eating and food safety messages to young adults.

The project which is run by the City of Edinburgh Council and supported by both Scotmid and NHS Lothian, aims to raise awareness of food safety issues in young adults in Edinburgh, as well as linking food safety messages to healthy eating issues.

The key messages of the Food4life project are that food can be prepared cooked and stored in a safe manner by following a few simple rules and that cooking healthy food can be cheap easy and fun.

Stands are being run at the freshers’ fayres for Heriot Watt, Napier, and Edinburgh Universities, and Telford College from Tuesday 7 September through to 14 September. Scotmid are supplying fruit and vegetables, including some tasters,  and prizes for students completing a simple food safety quiz.  Food4life leaflets which include tips on safe food preparation and healthy eating, and some simple delicious healthy recipes will be distributed at the fairs.

Cllr Robert Aldridge, Environment Leader, said: “We should never be complacent about food safety. If students, often leaving home for the first time, follow a few simple rules they can protect themselves and get the most from their diet.
“The Council are delighted to be taking part in these public information events which aim to highlight the simple common sense steps people can take to avoid getting ill and the benefits of a healthy diet.”

Malcolm Brown head of Communications for Scotmid said: “Scotmid is delighted to be supporting the Food4life campaign for the seventh consecutive year.  For many young adults, going to university or college is their first time away from home and the first time they are expected to cook for themselves.  The messages of the Food4life campaign are therefore vital to ensure they eat healthily and safely.”

Contact details if anyone wants to receive free copies of the leaflet?  If so email healthimprovement@edinburgh.gov.uk or 0131 529 3030.