EndocrinologyNew Safefood Campaign Warns Consumers Of Food Hygiene Dangers In The Home
safefood today launched a new advertising campaign to highlight common and widespread poor food hygiene practices in the home as new research (1) revealed that 84% of people did not thoroughly wash their hands after handling raw chicken. The campaign titled "Don"t Take Risks" focuses on key messages of proper hand washing, proper cleaning of cooking utensils and thorough cooking, steps all of which can help minimise the risks of food poisoning in the home. The research also revealed that 72% failed to properly wash a knife used in preparing raw chicken before its reuse on salad vegetables, and 56% did not check if the chicken was cooked properly.
The safefood study recorded the food hygiene practices of 120 participants across the island of Ireland while they prepared two meals - a homemade beef burger and a warm chicken salad. The research findings revealed poor food hygiene behaviours, with more than a third of what participants considered to be "cooked" beef burgers being contaminated with raw meat bacteria. In addition, more than half of consumers did not thoroughly wash the chopping board used to prepare raw mince before reusing it to prepare salad.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Martin Higgins, Chief Executive, safefood said "There is clear evidence that consumers are not following basic hygiene rules in the kitchen when they are preparing food, therefore putting loved ones at risk from food poisoning. This campaign is a powerful, visual reminder to consumers of the dangers of poor food safety behaviour, as they may often be unaware of how their day to day food preparation habits can cause themselves and others harm. By following some simple food hygiene practices, consumers can help prevent the spread of food poisoning bacteria around the kitchen".
The safefood "Don"t Take Risks" campaign reinforces three golden rules: cook chicken and minced meat thoroughly until piping hot all the way through with no pink meat remaining and the juices running clear; always wash hands in warm, soapy water after handling raw meat or chicken; and always wash utensils such as knives and chopping boards thoroughly after use with raw meat and chicken and before reuse with ready to eat foods such as salads.
Dr. Gary Kearney, Director Food Science, safefood added "Our research highlighted real food safety issues in the kitchen relating to food preparation and hygiene, which are addressed in a dramatic way in this campaign. safefood commissioned this study to look at the way in which people prepare meals in their homes. This study also highlights inadequate hand washing habits, as one third of participants still had raw meat bacteria contamination on their hands after preparing the meals. We would urge all consumers to consider these significant findings, examine their own food preparation behaviours and to take these easy steps to always prepare food safely".
"Don"t Take Risks" is a two year campaign and consists of three, 20 second live action television advertisements with the themes of "Knife", "Hands" and "Flame". This phase of the campaign comprises two bursts of activity; the first launching on 13th July for three weeks on television and a second burst in September for a further three weeks on television. The campaign will also be supported by online activity at http://www.safefood.eu and PR and Direct Marketing activity.
For more information on food safety in the home, please visit http://www.safefood.eu.
References:
(1) "Identification of Critical Control Points during Domestic Food Preparation", University College Dublin and the University of Ulster at Jordanstown, 2008
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