Food Safety Week takes place from 16-22 June 2014 and the focus of the week is the fight against Campylobacter. A quarter of a million people throughout the UK could be struck down by campylobacter this year.
Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. You can’t see it, smell it or even taste it on food, but if it affects you, you won’t forget it. At its worst, it can kill.
The Food Standards Agency is spearheading a campaign to bring together the whole food chain to tackle the problem. Farmers and producers will be asked to work harder to reduce the amount of bacteria on their raw poultry. Consumers will be able see the latest data and be the judges of any progress, or lack of progress, that they make.
Local authorities, all the major supermarkets and key partners will be working together to make sure people know how to stay safe. Advice is available at www.food.gov.uk/chicken.
Bob Martin, Head of Foodborne Disease Strategy at the Food Standards Agency said, “This is a serious problem and we are calling on the whole industry to do act together to tackle Campylobacter. People in Caerphilly County Borough can do their part by handling and preparing chicken with extra care – don’t wash raw chicken, cook it properly and enjoy it safely.”
Cllr. David Poole, Cabinet Member for Community & Leisure Services said “It’s important that we do our bit to make sure people know to handle and cook food safely for themselves and for their families. We’re proud to be keeping people in the Caerphilly borough safe and well by being part of this campaign to spread the word – and not the germs.”
To find out more about food safety in Caerphilly County Borough please visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk.
