Wednesday 9 November 2005

Food Safety Week: 7- 12 November 2005

The Chair of the Food Safety Information Council, Professor Tom McMeekin, today warned the over 4 million Australians who travel overseas each year not to take a risk of getting food poisoning.

‘Your chance of getting food poisoning greatly increases when you travel overseas. Especially if you are going to countries where hygiene is not as effective as in Australia. When travelling we also get exposed to other bacteria that we may not be used to.

‘The best advice is to be meticulous with hand washing. Always wash your hands with soap and running water and dry thoroughly before eating. Remember that bacteria can be carried to the mouth on hands so avoid putting fingers and thumbs anywhere near your mouth.

‘You may wish to take the extra precaution of using disposable wipes or alcohol-based gels for your hands if clean water is not available.

‘You also need to be very careful about what you eat and drink. You cannot avoid risk altogether, but you can at least avoid the obvious sources of trouble. Remember your drinking water may not be safe. Instead you can buy bottled water or soft drink as long as the seal is not broken. Or you can boil your water, use a water purifier or chemically disinfect the water.

‘Avoid ice in your drinks as freezing doesn’t kill bacteria (nor does alcohol kill all the germs).

‘The secret for safer food is: if you can’t peel it or cook it then don’t eat it. Look for food that is freshly served and steaming hot - as cooking kills food poisoning bugs. You can also eat fruit if it is whole and you peel it yourself.

‘If you follow these simple tips you will greatly reduce your risk of food poisoning when travelling overseas and you are likely to have a much more enjoyable trip,’ Professor McMeekin concluded.

The Food Safety Information Council is a not-for-profit group of Australian Government and state government agencies, the food industry, consumer groups and professional associations. The Council’s job is to educate consumers in safe food handling. There is more information on its web site www.foodsafety.asn.au .

Media contact: Tania Bradley Food Safety Information Council 0407 626 688

Lydia Buchtmann   FSANZ (02) 6271 2620 or 0401 714 265 mobile

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FACT SHEET: Food safety when travelling overseas (November 2005)