6 Common Food Hygiene Fails to Avoid This Christmas
The festive season is a time for feasting, but are you keeping it safe in the kitchen? The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has revealed some alarming food hygiene “fails” from its Consumer Insights Tracker (CIT).
Read on to reveal the top six mistakes you might be making—and how to avoid them!
1. Not Checking the Use-By Date
46% of people don't check use-by dates.
Almost half (46%) of people admit they don’t always check use-by dates before cooking or preparing food at home. This oversight could put you on the naughty list! Always double-check dates to ensure your ingredients are safe to use.
2. Buffet Roulette
45% of people eat chilled food after it's been left out of the fridge for hours.
Leaving food out for hours during festive buffets is a gamble 45% of people are willing to take. Eating leftovers that have been out too long increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. Keep perishable dishes out for no more than two hours or store them properly in the fridge.
3. Cooking Meat Past Its Use-By Date
39% of people have cooked out-of-date raw meat.
Around 39% of respondents confessed to occasionally cooking raw meat, like turkey or sausages, after its use-by date. This risky habit could lead to serving “dodgy pigs in blankets.
Always prioritise freshness when it comes to meat and ensure that it is within the use-by date.
Cooking meat past its use-by date increases the risk of food poisoning from harmful bacteria that can grow even if the meat looks or smells fine.
4. Forgetting to Wash Hands
33% of people have prepared food without washing their hands.
A third (33%) of people say they don’t always wash their hands before preparing food.
By washing your hands before cooking, you can significantly reduce the risk of spreading harmful pathogens, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus, onto the food you prepare. These pathogens can cause serious illnesses, including food poisoning, diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Don’t let germs ruin your Christmas dinner—clean hands are a must.
5. Improper Food Storage
27% of respondents store perishable items incorrectly.
With fridges bursting at the seams during the holidays, 27% of respondents resort to storing perishable items in other cool places like a garage, porch, or cool box. These alternatives may not maintain the correct temperature, putting food safety at risk due to rapid growth of harmful bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.
Make space in the fridge by relocating non-perishables like soft drinks.
6. Ignoring Food Allergies
23% of people are unlikely to ask guests about food allergies or intolerances.
Shockingly, 23% of people are unlikely to ask guests about food allergies or intolerances. Overlooking this step could turn your festive feast into a health hazard. Always check in advance to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal safely.
The festive season can be stressful, especially when catering for a crowd. However, with a little care and attention to these common food hygiene missteps, you can share joy—not food poisoning—this Christmas!
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