Menu
19/07/2013
FSA Issues Warning Over Plastic Bags
A new survey has suggested that Northern Ireland's shoppers are putting their health in danger by reusing plastic bags.
Of the 1,000 people polled, 65% admitted they did not keep a separate bag for raw meat or fish, the BBC has reported.
The Food Standard Agency (FSA) said this was putting people at risk of food poisoning.
It added that the number of food poisoning cases tend to double over the summer and they issued a warning of the dangers of spills and leaks.
Almost everyone who participated in the survey (96%) said they had used reusable bags for food shopping since the carrier bag levy was introduced earlier this year. Of those, 82% said they did separate raw meat from other foods, but only 35% keep a reusable bag solely for fresh meat and fish items.
Michael Jackson of the FSA is quoted as saying: "Packing raw meat and fish with ready to eat foods can lead to spreading germs which can cause food poisoning, especially if there are any spillages or leaks from the raw meat packaging.
"While a carrier bag may look clean, there is always the potential for these germs to spread onto food which is ready to eat.
"That's why it's a good idea to have separate, identifiable bags for raw and ready-to eat-foods."
Raw meat can contain germs that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter.
(JP/CD)
Of the 1,000 people polled, 65% admitted they did not keep a separate bag for raw meat or fish, the BBC has reported.
The Food Standard Agency (FSA) said this was putting people at risk of food poisoning.
It added that the number of food poisoning cases tend to double over the summer and they issued a warning of the dangers of spills and leaks.
Almost everyone who participated in the survey (96%) said they had used reusable bags for food shopping since the carrier bag levy was introduced earlier this year. Of those, 82% said they did separate raw meat from other foods, but only 35% keep a reusable bag solely for fresh meat and fish items.
Michael Jackson of the FSA is quoted as saying: "Packing raw meat and fish with ready to eat foods can lead to spreading germs which can cause food poisoning, especially if there are any spillages or leaks from the raw meat packaging.
"While a carrier bag may look clean, there is always the potential for these germs to spread onto food which is ready to eat.
"That's why it's a good idea to have separate, identifiable bags for raw and ready-to eat-foods."
Raw meat can contain germs that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter.
(JP/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
18 June 2014
'Don't Wash Raw Chicken' - FSA
The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has warned the public against washing raw chicken before cooking. Contrary to popular belief, the practice of washing raw chicken before cooking can lead to the spread of germs and cause food poisoning, or even death.
'Don't Wash Raw Chicken' - FSA
The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has warned the public against washing raw chicken before cooking. Contrary to popular belief, the practice of washing raw chicken before cooking can lead to the spread of germs and cause food poisoning, or even death.
13 December 2013
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
Dog Food Meat Found In Human Food Chain
A government report has revealed that meat meant for dog food is thought to have ended up in the human food chain. The discovery was made in an "industrial-scale" fraud carried out in the region.
14 June 2004
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
Council issues food poisoning warning
With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
24 July 2015
Reduction In Use Of Plastic Bags Welcomed
Sinn Féin has welcomed the reduction in use of plastic bags. North Antrim MLA Daithí McKay said it has helped create and protect jobs in the community.
Reduction In Use Of Plastic Bags Welcomed
Sinn Féin has welcomed the reduction in use of plastic bags. North Antrim MLA Daithí McKay said it has helped create and protect jobs in the community.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
