South Ayrshire Council is taking an active part in the launch of Food Safety Week on 7th June, by reminding people about the importance of good food storage and handling, particularly during the summer months.
In 2009 there were 166 cases of food poisoning in South Ayrshire during the warmer months, peaking in summer as a result of barbecuing and eating outdoors becoming more frequent.
Councillor Peter Convery, Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and the Environment said: "Suffering food poisoning is a miserable experience but by storing, handling and cooking food properly you can minimise the risk to yourself and others and prevent becoming a food poisoning casualty.
"Clean hands in the kitchen are vital in the fight against food poisoning; while food must also be kept at the right temperature.
"Food that needs to be chilled should be kept in the fridge and check that it's running at the right temperature - between 0°C and 5°C as temperatures above this can allow bacteria to grow or harmful toxins to form. On a picnic, don't take food out of the fridge until the last minute and use a cool bag to keep it chilled until ready to eat.
"Make sure you store raw meat covered and at the bottom of the fridge, below and away from ready-to-eat food.
"Prevent bacteria from spreading between foods and from contaminated surfaces or utensils by using a different chopping board and knife for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods, or wash the board and knife thoroughly before using them for different foods.
"Proper cooking will kill bugs, so make sure poultry, pork, burgers and sausages are cooked all the way through. If there's any pink meat or the juices have any pink or red in them, germs could be lurking! Check your food is steaming hot all the way through before serving.
"There's nothing better than a barbecue or dining al fresco, so I hope our residents will make the most of the good weather and have a safe and fabulous summer."
Further information on food preparation and hygiene is available from the Council's Environmental Health team on 01292 618222, or e-mail them at:
environmental.health@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.