Take a look at Kitchen Conversation, where I discuss food safety issues with my colleague Sterling Crew. We introduce current food safety topics and invite dialogue on our Linked In Group.
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Are we too clean?
A recent report from the RSPH following on from an IFH white paper called for action to debunk the myth that we are too clean. Furthermore, it examines the belief that need to ingest dirt and harmful bacteria to protect our health. The confusion lies with the acknowledged need for us to protect our microbiome. […]
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How often should you wash your bra?
Another flurry of enquiries about laundry hygiene and how often clothes should be washed because Stella McCartney has said she may not wash her bra after one use. She has said we wash things too often, and she probably has a point. With all of these subjects, it is a bit like asking the question: […]
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Allergens – labelling of catering foods on display
Following the tragic death and inquest regarding Natasha Ednan-Laperouse to prevent future deaths, a change in labelling law was requested. The issue was that supermarket sandwiches, made in a factory under strict conditions to prevent contamination and fully labelled, are treated differently to those made in a catering premises and put on display for self-selection […]
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Listeria – the silent food poisoning killer
There have been a number of listeria outbreaks in the news recently, from chocolate mousse, airline sandwiches to the latest sandwiches and salads served to hospital patients that has to date caused 5 deaths. People who are over 60, already ill and those who are pregnant are most vulnerable to serious and life-threatening illness. Pregnant […]
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Salmonella: facts and controls
Salmonella are common bacteria that cause food poisoning. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates 93.9 million cases of gastroenteritis due to Salmonella occur annually, and non-typhoidal salmonellosis (the disease caused by Salmonella infection) causes 155,000 deaths each year worldwide. Click here to view a great introduction to Salmonella by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Salmonella are found in raw meats, raw poultry, raw […]
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Campylobacter, cleaning, cloths, Food Hygiene, Home hygiene, Hygiene in a Hurry, hygienic cleaning, Kitchen cloths
Hygiene in a Hurry – shortcuts that keep you safe
Want to be more hygienic but always in a hurry? Don’t worry, there are little things that can make a real difference – here are some top tips. First – why bother?
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Campylobacter, Chicken, cleaning, Cooking Safely, Food Hygiene, Food Poisoning, Food Storage, Handwashing, hygienic cleaning, Outdoors, Targeted hygieneCampylobacter food poisoning is not a mild dose of the runs
Some people think that food poisoning is a mild illness which if anything might help them lose weight, but I recently watched this clip about a man who contracted Campylobacter food poisoning and developed Guillain-Barré syndrome, causing him to be paralysed. Having seen a friend also go through similar slow recovery from this syndrome, I […]
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Colds and Flu, Food Poisoning, Handwashing, Home hygiene, norovirus, Public Health and Hygiene, rotavirus
Keep the winter bugs away! Simple, practical tips.
It is that time of year when many people find themselves with colds, flu or norovirus – those typical winter bugs. But getting ill is not a foregone conclusion, and there are some things we can do to protect ourselves against illness. Many of my tips are very cheap, if not free, and by taking a […]
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Allergens and road kill – what’s the link?
Why anyone serving food should ask their guests about allergens Recently I have noticed a large amount of road kill near me – all baby animals – rabbits, squirrels mainly. It got me thinking – why are so many young animals getting run over? Well I guess by now they are young adults, have left […]
