Free food safety advice available today

Over-60s are being offered free advice today on the correct and safe storage and handling of food in a bid to reduce the risk of developing an infection from listeria (listeriosis).

Environmental health officers from Darlington Council are providing the advice following an increase in cases of listeria in the over-60s.

The free advice from Darlington Council is part of national Food Safety Week, the annual Food Standards Agency (FSA) event aimed at promoting food safety in the home. Food Safety Week takes place this year from June 15 – June 21.

Environmental health officers are available at Darlington's Elim Church on Bowman Street from 10.30am to offer free advice on the importance of food safety and hygiene and promote the four Cs - cooking, cleaning, chilling and cross-contamination.

Officers are talking about effective fridge temperatures and the risks associated with eating food past use-by dates. The Council's environmental health officers also also handing out food safety leaflets, information and free fridge thermometers (subject to availability).

Steve Harker, the Council's cabinet member for health and leisure, said: "It is vital that people know how to store and handle food correctly. This free advice reminds all people, including the over-60s, about the importance of the four Cs – cooking, cleaning, chilling and cross-contamination."

Words: Maria Bracken

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