Press Release

Council urges public “Don't wash your bird”

Friday, 16 December 2005

Derry City Council has endorsed the Safefood message this Christmas “Don’t wash your bird”, in an effort to minimise the risk of members of the public picking up food poisoning.

This year’s food safety advice urges consumers not to wash the bird before placing it in the oven. The practice of washing or rinsing poultry under the tap is likely to lead to increased risk of the spread of germs including Campylobacter * in the kitchen, through splashes and droplets, given the levels which may be present on raw poultry.

The Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer for Derry City Council, Philip O’Doherty explained that while washing turkeys is a tradition based on a myth, recent research has shown that bacteria, particularly Campylobacter, can be spread significant distances in the kitchen, and any practice which transfers these organisms, should be avoided.

He commented: “By simply placing the bird directly into the baking tray and straight into the oven, consumers can avoid this situation. All harmful germs will be killed by cooking the bird thoroughly, leaving the meat safe to eat. Of course this advice applies to every occasion when poultry is being prepared, not just at Christmas time. Poultry should be cooked until the juices run clear, ensuring it is piping hot all the way through and there is no pink meat left.”
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Studies examining consumer behaviour in the kitchen have shown that practices that are likely to lead to cross-contamination from raw foods, such as poultry, to foods that are ready to eat, are common.

Germs may also be found on the outside of poultry packaging, especially if leakage of juices has occurred, so Safefood is urging consumers to use safe practices that do not cause cross-contamination in the kitchen, whilst preparing all raw meat and poultry this Christmas.

Levels of contamination can be effectively reduced in the kitchen by simple food safety and hygiene practices. In particular, thorough hand washing and cleaning surfaces that come into contact with raw foods will decrease the risk of food poisoning illness.

Environmental Health Officers from Derry City Council will be delivering leaflets for consumers containing this important food safety information to all Butchers and other retail outlets selling Turkey during the week coming up to Christmas. If you would like a copy of the leaflet, please contact the Food Control Team at the Council on 02871365151.

Notes to Editor:

· Campylobacter is a bacterium found in the intestines of many types of animals and is the most common bacterial cause of diarrhoeal illness. Campylobacter infection is more prevalent during the summer months, with babies and children in the 0–4 age group more likely to be affected.
· Findings from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Foods (ACMSF) report titled ‘Second report on Campylobacter 2005’ are referred to in this press release.

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