Picnic peril Warning on hamper food poisoning risk

Families using traditional wicker baskets for picnics are risking giving themselves food poisoning.

By opting for baskets or plastic bags rather than cool boxes to store fresh food, nearly a third of picnickers are increasing their chances of becoming ill, according to the Food Standards Agency.

A basket full of perishable food stored in the warm boot of a car would be likely to grow dangerous levels of bacteria within an hour, it said. “Danger” items include meat, soft cheese and dips.