End silence on dirty food, public told

[Posted: Wed 31/10/2007 by Olivia Fens www.irishhealth.com]

More than 50% of Irish people don’t complain about poor food hygiene standards when eating out, according to research.

But it is dangerous to accept unfit food or poor hygiene, according to safe food, the food safety promotion board. People have a right to safe food whether eating in a restaurant, grabbing a burger, ordering a baguette to go or picking up some shopping on the way home.

The research, conducted by safe food, as part of a new food hygiene standards campaign, also found that 62% of Irish consumers will not send back food if they experience poor food hygiene, but will tell others of their bad experience.

The safe food board is urging people to speak up and let food retailers know about their concerns immediately. The Speak Out campaigns endorsed by Ireland’s National Consumer Agency and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.

Martin Higgins, chief executive of safe food, said: “As consumers we can play our part in ensuring the highest standards of food hygiene are met and this campaign will focus on educating and enabling consumers to trust their own instincts and make informed choices.

More than 270 closure orders have been served on food premises since 2000. Closure orders are served only if there is a grave and immediate danger to public health at, or in, the food premises.

Mr Higgins said there was concern about the ‘sustained level’ of closure orders in the retail catering sector. The retail catering sector and catering industry refer to businesses where food can be purchased for consumption outside the home. This includes takeaways, deli counters in supermarkets, food stalls and chip shops, hotels, restaurants and pubs serving food.

How do I know if the food safety standards are substandard?
Hygiene is poor if:
• the shop, restaurant or toilets are visibly dirty
• Staff handling open food also handle money or other goods without washing hands or removing gloves
• Staff handle raw meats or fish and then other ready-to-eat foods without washing hands
• Staff have dirty hands or smoke near food.

How do I know if the food safety standards are substandard?
Food isn't fit for consumption if:
• it appears to be contaminated with chemicals such as disinfectants or detergents
• it contains a foreign object such as hair or insects
• hot food isn't piping hot
• ready-to-eat food is in contact with raw meats or fish
• fridges are not cold.

Who should I complain to? How do I make a complaint?
• start with the person serving you
• talk to the manager
• in ROI contact  Food Safety Authority of Ireland or your local environmental health officer in your health board
• in NI contact your local environmental health officer in your district council

You can also visit our food for living clinic at...

http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/ffl/welcome.html