Tips to reduce risk of food poisoning

YOUNG people are being urged to learn more about food safety as part of Food Safety Week, which runs from 13 to 18 November.
Research by the Food Safety Information Council has found that young people, particularly young men, have poor knowledge of basic food safety issues, such as the importance of hand washing and food temperature control.
Yarra Ranges mayor Monika Keane said that young people who’ve just moved out of home may be experimenting with cooking and may be regular consumers of pre-prepared food, such as local take-aways.
“Temperature control is vital to reducing food poisoning risk, such as refrigerating leftover food if you plan to eat it later, keeping the fridge at or below 5°C, and reheating food until it’s steaming hot before eating,” Cr Keane said.
For more information and other food safety tips, contact the shire’s public health services team on 1300 368 333 or visit the State Government website www.health.vic.gov.au/foodsafety.