Under embargo until 12.01am

Monday, 8 November 2004

Professor Tom McMeekin, Chair of the Food Safety Information Council, today launched Food Safety Week with a message to parents to reduce the risk of their children being among the 5.4 million Australians who suffer from food poisoning each year.

‘Small children are far more likely than adults to suffer from gastroentertitis and, as every parent knows, there is now evidence that they’ll probably pass it on to the rest of the family. So it really is true that your children can make you sick,’ Professor McMeekin said.

‘Also if your child gets food poisoning the consequences can be far more serious than for adults. Infants and young children (less than 5 years old) are especially vulnerable to foodborne illness because their immune systems are not fully developed. Also, their tummies produce less acid which makes it easier for harmful germs to get through their digestive system and invade their bodies.

‘The Food Safety Information Council has developed some simple tips to help parents reduce the risk of their small child getting food poisoning. The tips include advice on infant feeding, preparing food for young children including packed lunches and teaching children good hygiene.

‘Previous research by the Food Safety Information Council found that young children were the best of all age groups in understanding correct hand washing methods. It is never too early to teach your children good hygiene. Teaching children to wash their hands before eating will greatly reduce their risk of food poisoning. They should always wash their hands under running water using soap and dry thoroughly:

• Before touching or eating food;
  
  
• After using the toilet;
  
  
• After blowing their nose; and
  
  
• After playing with a pet.

‘You should never prepare food for others if you have gastroenteritis as this will just pass it on.

‘Finally, even though there is a drought on, never scrimp on water when washing your hands or getting your child to do so. Always wash your hands and fresh fruit and vegetables under running water as that removes the bacteria. Washing in just a bowl of water will just re-contaminate your hands or the fruit and vegetables,’ Professor McMeekin concluded.

The Food Safety Information Council is a not-for-profit group of State and Australian government agencies, the food industry, consumer groups and professional associations. The Council’s job is to educate consumers in safe food handling.

The theme for Food Safety Week 8-13 November 2004 is ‘Protecting tiny tummies and sensitive systems’ and more information can be found on the Food Safety Information Council website at   www.foodsafety.asn.au .

Media contacts:Tania Bradley, Food Safety Information Council, 02 6254 4896 or 0407 626 688 or

Lydia Buchtmann, Food Standards Australia New Zealand,   (02) 6271 2620 or 0401 714 265 mobile

TV Chief of staffs please note:A video news release containing interviews with the Food Safety Information Council and footage of safe food handling for children will be sent from Sky at 11.15 am Monday 8 November 2004.

Radio chiefs of staff: Food Safety Information Council members are available to prerecord interviews on Sunday 7 November 2004.