A quarter of a million people in the UK could be struck down by Campylobacter this year, three times the capacity of the London 2012 Olympic stadium.
The fight against Campylobacter will be at the centre of this year’s Food Safety Week (16-22 June), an annual campaign run by the Food Standard’s Agency in conjunction with local authorities.
Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. You can’t see it, smell it or even taste it on food, but if it affects you, you won’t forget it. At its worst, it can kill you.
The FSA is spearheading a campaign to bring together the whole food chain to tackle the problem. Farmers and producers will be asked to work harder to reduce the amount of bacteria on their raw poultry. Consumers will be able see the latest data and be the judges of any progress, or lack of progress, that they make.
Local authorities, all the major supermarkets and key partners will be working together to make sure people know how to stay safe. During Food Safety Week, officers from the Food Safety Team at Lancaster City Council will be visiting sheltered accommodation to provide advice to residents about how to avoid getting Campylobacter.
Councillor Karen Leytham, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental health, said: “Campylobacter is a serious problem and it is important that the council plays its part in making sure that people know to handle and cook food safely for themselves and for their families.
“We’re proud to be keeping people in the Lancaster district safe and well by being part of this campaign to spread the word – and not the germs.”
• For advice on handling poultry safely see www.food.gov.uk/chicken