People over the age of 60 are more likely to take risks
with 'use by' food dates than younger people according to new
research findings published this week by the Food Standards Agency
(FSA) as part of Food Safety Week.
We are supporting the awareness week with displays in the Town Hall
and Somerset House in Weston and by urging people to think twice
before eating out of date food.
Eating food beyond its 'use by' date increases the risk of food
poisoning from listeria. A recent sharp rise in the number of
people taken ill with listeria has seen more older people affected
by the potentially deadly food bug.
The number of cases of listeria food poisoning rose by 20 per
cent in 2007 and has doubled since 2000, this increase has occurred
predominantly amongst people over 60. The research published shows
less than half of this age group recognise 'use by' dates as an
important indicator of whether food is safe or not, and so could be
putting themselves at risk of serious illness.
Other research commissioned by the FSA into the over 60s'
attitudes towards food safety, showed that people were reluctant to
throw away food and were often confused by fridge temperatures.
Cllr Peter executive member with responsibility for
environmental protection said the statistics from the FSA made very
worrying reading.
"Listeria can make people very ill and by eating out of date
food the risks become much higher. We would urge everyone to join
in Food Safety Week and make sure that they change any bad habits
with regards to food hygiene.
"Sticking to use by dates is essential and making sure your
fridge is between 0 oC and 5oC is also a top tip for keeping food
fresh."
