Slough Borough Council’s food safety team have been sending out advice leaflets to businesses caterering for the elderly on a particular form of bacteria called Listeriosis.
The bacteria are a food borne illness contracted by people consuming food contaminated with the micro-organism, Listeria monocytogenes.
The information leaflet, issued by the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health, is in response to increased levels of illness in the UK caused by the bacteria.
The germs are fairly commonplace in the environment, but don’t generally cause illness in healthy adult groups.
However, it can be a big problem for pregnant women, the very young, the elderly and people with a compromised immune system, such as those who are poorly.
In mild cases, the symptoms are flu like, but in very extreme cases, it can cause septicaemia and abortion in pregnant women, and possibly death.
Symptoms may appear anything from three to 70 days after consumption of an infected food.
The types of foods often implicated in outbreaks include soft cheeses, meat-based pâtés, ready-to-eat, pre-cooked chicken and other ready-to-eat chilled foods.
This is due to the bacteria being able to grow at refrigerated temperatures, as low as -1 degrees Celsius, unlike most other food poisoning bacteria.
It’s not typically found in hot, cooked foods as a thorough cooking process will easily destroy the bacteria.
However, there is a risk with cooked-chilled meals if they’re not reheated until they’re piping hot.
Increases have been found particularly among people over 60 who have weakened immune systems.
However, contamination can be controlled through application of good hygienic practices, such as:
* Keeping food cold throughout production, preparation, handling, storage and delivery, ideally to below 5 degrees Celsius
* Ensuring food is eaten before its ‘use by’ date
* Using opened food quickly, i.e. within two days
* Ensuring effective cleaning of preparation surfaces, equipment and utensils
Julie Snelling, principal technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council, said: “The information sent out is to advise businesses of the dangers of the bacteria and how best to prepare food. We are committed to making Slough a safe place for consumers.
“We don’t want to alarm people, and many businesses already comply with the regulations, so it’s more of a reminder.
“But even those cooking in their own home can learn from the advice and hopefully help keep the food they eat safe for the whole family.”
Commissioner for community and leisure, Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry, added: “It’s really important that everyone watches how they prepare and cook their food.
“The advice given by the food safety team is very important, and people should make sure they cook everything properly before eating.”
For further information, please contact the food and safety team on 01753 875255 or e-mail foodandsafety@slough.gov.uk
Slough Borough Council.
