If you are planning to enjoy summer parties or barbecues, here is some simple good advice from the council's Environmental Health service.
This advice can also be downloaded as a leaflet in PDF format below.
If large numbers are involved people usually have to prepare food in advance:
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Low Risk Foods – sponge cakes, biscuits, fruit, salad can be prepared, covered and left out at room temperature
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High Risk Foods – containing meat, poultry, cheese, eggs, mayonnaise and cream should be prepared and refrigerated or frozen until needed. Remember, if we are lucky enough to have warm weather, frozen food is safer defrosted in a fridge, although it will take longer
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Keep food chilled in fridges or coolboxes till the last minute. It should not be put out on display for more than 4 hours
Raw foods, especially meat or poultry may contain harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning. For this reason keep them completely separate from ready to eat foods.
Wash and dry your hands often when you're handling food, and especially if you have handled raw meat. It may be sensible to keep a washing up bowl with warm water, soap and towel handy.
Make sure you use separate knives, boards and plates for raw and cooked meats.
