Spread the word …..not the germs!

Do you remember the London 2012 opening ceremony and the Olympic stadium filled to bursting point with spectators? Now, try to envisage that huge crowd multiplied by three….

You can do the same with Murrayfield in Edinburgh and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. With Windsor Park in Belfast, try multiplying the crowd nine times over.

That’s about a quarter of a million people and the same number of people in the UK who could be struck down by campylobacter this year.

The fight against Campylobacter will be at the centre of this year’s Food Safety Week (16-22 June).

Possible killer

Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. You can’t see it, smell it or even taste it on food, but if it affects you, you won’t forget it. At its worst, it can kill you.

The FSA is spearheading a campaign to bring together the whole food chain to tackle the problem. Farmers and producers will be asked to work harder to reduce the amount of bacteria on their raw poultry. Consumers will be able see the latest data and be the judges of any progress, or lack of progress, that they make.

Local authorities, all the major supermarkets and key partners will be working together to make sure people know how to stay safe. Advice is available at www.food.gov.uk/chicken.

Bob Martin, Head of Foodborne Disease Strategy at the Food Standards Agency said:

“This is a serious problem and we are calling on the whole industry to do act together to tackle Campylobacter. People in Blaby District can do their part by handling and preparing chicken with extra care – don’t wash raw chicken, cook it properly and enjoy it safely.”

Councillor Guy Jackson, portfolio holder for Neighbourhood and Environmental Services at Blaby District Council, said:

“It’s important we do our part to make sure that people know to handle and cook food safely for themselves and for their families. We’re proud to be keeping people in Blaby District safe and well by being part of this campaign to spread the word – and not the germs.”

For advice on handling poultry safely see www.food.gov.uk/chicken