Heatwave increases food safety concerns

The heatwave across the UK may have boosted beer sales, but it has also raised concerns about food hygiene in pubs and other catering businesses.

In the first week of July alone, 1,137 cases of chronic food poisoning were reported to local authorities in England and Wales, well above the seasonal average.

Figures published by the Food Standards agency earlier this month showed that local authority EHOs identify around one pub in ten as posing a serious risk to public health, and around six in ten as a minor risk.

Mark Flanagan, Director of Shieldyourself says: "We are increasingly at risk with the warmer weather, since warm conditions are the perfect breeding ground for germs."

He added: "It is important it is to maintain stringent health and hygiene working practice. Although the majority of cases incur only short-term symptoms, it has been estimated that there are up to 600 deaths as a direct result of food poisoning each year. Caterers need to be aware that in the worst case scenario, they could face manslaughter charges."

Full article can be found at: www.thepublican.com