Food Safety Week

Published on 15 November 2017

FOOD SAFETY WEEK

MEDIA RELEASE

This week is Australian Food Safety Week, and this year’s theme is ‘Is it done yet? Use a thermometer for great food cooked safely every time’.

A Food Safety Information Council survey has found that 75% of Australians surveyed reported that there wasn’t a food thermometer in their household and only 44% of those with a thermometer reported using it over the previous month.

During Australian Food Safety Week, Gannawarra Shire Council will be promoting the importance of practicing safe food handling procedures in our homes to protect families from cases of food poisoning.

“Using a food thermometer is one quick and simple way we can ensure food prepared in our homes is cooked properly. This will not only prevent our families from Salmonella and other food borne diseases but it will also allow you cook the perfect piece of meat” says Manager Community Health, Narelle O’Donoghue.

There are an estimated 4.1 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year that result in 31,920 hospitalisations, 86 deaths and 1 million visits to doctors. There are also escalating rates of Campylobacter and Salmonella infection that are particularly linked to poorly cooked poultry and egg dishes.

To help reduce this number, the Food Safety Information Council is encouraging all Australians to pick up a food thermometer from their local homeware store and learn how to use it properly.

Here are 4 simple tips on how to use a food thermometer:

1. Follow any instructions on the thermometer’s packaging.

2. You should place the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food and as close to the centre as possible and it should not touch bone, fat, or gristle.

3. Start checking the temperature toward the end of cooking, but before you expect it to be done.

4. Be sure to clean the stem of your food thermometer before and after each use.

You can find further information on correct cooking temperatures and test your knowledge with a food safety quiz by visiting the Food Safety Information Council website www.foodsafety.asn.au

Follow Australian Food Safety Week on social media #AFSW17.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

Date: 15 November 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627