According to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, approximately 20% of food poisoning incidents occur within the individual’s own home. The major cause of these incidents is cross contamination and storing foods at incorrect temperatures.
The Department of Health website provides information on what foods are considered high risk, what are ready-to-eat foods and the appropriate transport, storage and handling of food to prevent food poisoning.
Australia has a worldwide reputation for its great outdoor lifestyle. Barbeques, picnics and camping trips are a great way to enjoy our perfect climate. But eating in the outdoors has risks - other than mosquitoes and ants! The food you take on picnics, barbeques and camping trips, is kept out of its regular environment - the fridge, freezer and pantry - for longer times than the food you eat at home. This may have food safety implications. Simply by using a cooler bag or esky to store perishable goods below 5˚C will help to lessen bacterial growth. Following simple storage techniques can help to ensure your food is kept safe at all times, so you can enjoy your holiday, and your food!
Sometimes are eyes are too big for our stomachs when we go out to eat. A doggy bag seems like a simple solution to finishing off the food that we paid for; however it is not so simple. If the food is not handled and stored correctly, this creates a potential risk for the person who is going to consume the food, but also for the business who supplied the food if they did not give instructions on how you should handle the food. The Food Handlers Health & Hygiene pamphlet can help you to understand how to handle and store food correctly even once you have left the restaurant to ensure you stay healthy.
All over Australia, people are eating more fish than ever as part of a healthy diet, and help prevent diseases. However, like any fresh food there are some things which consumers need to know that can assist them in selecting, preparing and eating seafood safely. For information regarding seafood, please visit the Seafood Australia website
More people than ever before are buying ready to eat food, fast food, and dining out in cafes and restaurants. This change has given people new choices in the food that they eat – but it has also created new problems. One of the problems is the risk of food poisoning.
If you think you may have food poisoning:
Speak with the supplier of the food (shopkeeper, restaurant, or whoever). Explain what the problem is and ask that they note it.
Contact Council's Environmental Health Officer on 03 5593 7100, who has the power to investigate food complaints and take action against those responsible for causing the problem. Your notification may also enable others in the community to be protected from the same problem.