Call to help prevent food poisoning

Warning over cooking chicken

A food safety warning has been issued to people hosting barbecues this summer.

The West Lothian Summer Safe 2016 campaign is supporting Food Standards Scotland’s (FSS) message ‘Nothing Spoils Summer like Pink Chicken’.

Evidence shows that increases in barbecuing and chicken purchase and consumption during JuneAugust coincide with peaks in Campylobacter infection, which is the most common form of food poisoning in Scotland.

The FSS says that there are more than 6000 reported Campylobacter cases in Scotland each year, with some estimates putting the actual figure at nine times as many due to under-reporting of the illness.

Research has shown that 60 to 80 per cent of Campylobacter infections in Scotland can be attributed to a chicken source.

Executive councillor for services for the community George Paul said: “When the sun comes out so does the barbecue.

“The West Lothian Summer Safety campaign is a Community Safety Partnership initiative to help to raise awareness of safety issues during the school summer holidays.

“BBQs are a favourite pastime when the weather is fine and we want every to have a great time, which is why the council’s Environmental Health Team is encouraging local people to check that their chicken and other food is properly stored, prepared and cooked to ensure that guests don’t leave your BBQ with something more than a full tummy.

“Food poisoning can really spoil summer but there are some simple ways of reducing the risks of getting ill, which is why the council is sharing the message ‘Nothing spoils summer like pink chicken’.

“Always make sure there’s no pink meat in the chicken after cooking, and the meat juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part with a skewer or knife. And, remember to make sure that all food is cooked thoroughly and piping hot before serving.

“If possible, to help the cooking process, cook the chicken in the oven first, and then finish on the BBQ for effect and taste before serving.”

For more information about avoiding food poisoning all year visit: http://www.westlothian.gov. uk/article/8726/Keeping-food-safeat-home.