Local butchers stress importance of food safety

SAFEFOOD has teamed up with Northern Ireland butchers, including two from Cushendall, to promote the importance of food safety and healthy eating to consumers when purchasing and preparing raw meats.

The campaign, called ‘Ask your local Butcher’, will see independent butchers across Northern Ireland talking to their customers about tasty recipes and providing advice on choosing, preparing and cooking food safely. The messages for the campaign over the summer will focus on the barbecue season.

Two local butchers, Kinneys Butchers, Bridge Street, and Donal Kearney and Sons, Mill Street, will represent the North Antrim area and will help issue a reminder after a survey revealed that 28% of people here don’t know how to check that barbecued meat is properly cooked1.

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Another study highlighted that 72% of people risk food poisoning by failing to thoroughly wash knives used in preparing raw chicken before reusing them on salad vegetables.

Commenting on the campaign, Dr David McCleery, safefood said: “We are delighted to be working with local butchers to provide consumers with practical tips on how they can safely prepare food to prevent food poisoning, whilst enjoying great meals with friends and family this summer.

“Our research has revealed that over one in four people in Northern Ireland (28%) are very concerned about food safety issues3, so this leaflet outlines the six golden rules for a safe barbecue. Healthy recipe options are also provided to promote the importance of a balanced diet, with recommendations on portion sizes and suggestions for healthier cuts of meat. We hope that this free leaflet will encourage consumers to follow our top tips to enjoy a safe and healthy barbecue.”

Consumers can test their knowledge on food safety by taking part in safefood’s online competition at www.safefood.eu for the chance to win a barbecue.

For more information on food safety in the home, or to request a copy of the leaflet, please call the safefood helpline on 0800 085 1683 or visit www.safefood.eu.

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