Washing Turkey increases the 'Spread of Infection'

A recent survey by the FSA (Food Standards Agency) has found that 44% of people wash Turkey or Chicken before cooking it.

They have warned that this increases the spread of bacteria onto the washer’s hands, surrounding work surfaces, cloths and clothing as well as cooking equipment. This transfer of bacteria occurs through the splashing of contaminated water drops.

This bacteria, which is called Campylobacter, affects over 250,000 people in the UK each year and is the most common form of food poisoning.

The majority of cases are caused from contaminated poultry.

Symptoms of Food Poisoning are diarrhoea, stomach pains, cramps, fever, and generally feeling poorly and unwell.

Chicken preparation advice 

• Cover raw chicken with cling film and keep chilled
• Store all raw chicken at the bottom of the fridge. This prevents the juices from dripping onto other foods
• Do not wash raw chicken
• Thoroughly wash all utensils, chopping boards and surfaces used after preparing raw chicken
• Cook chicken thoroughly. There should never be any pink meat and juices should run clear

Lastly, everyone at Esky would like to wish you a happy and safe Christmas!

If you've enjoyed the pictures of our Christmas Elf's (Elf and Safety) why not take a look at our christmas animation here!

Cross Contamination and many other topics are covered in our Food Safety Level Two training. Click here to find out more.