Most Brits overlook food safety while eating out

The online survey, carried out by Censuswide between 21 June and 5 July 2012, involved 2205 people i…

The online survey, carried out by Censuswide between 21 June and 5 July 2012, involved 2205 people in the UK. It was conducted as a part of FSA's Play It Safe campaign, which focuses on food safety during the Olympics.

About 26% of the people surveyed said that they would take food safety risks while on a holiday; 15% noted that they take a chance with their food at sporting and music events; and 28% said that they are more likely to overlook food safety following an evening out.

However, only 25% of the people said that they would never take a food safety risk.

The survey also showed the people often do not have a clear idea about the foods that are likely to lead to illness while eating out.

For example, 18% of the people said that kebabs are more likely to lead to food poisoning, when only 2.6% noted that they suffered a food poisoning in the past due to kebabs.

Only 3.7% of the people thought that cooked meat or fish led to food poisoning - but about 25% said that they had fallen ill in the past due to these foods.

FSA Head of Enforcement Sarah Appleby said that this survey shows that food safety is often overlooked when people are away from home or at an event, and this poses risks during the Olympic period when more Brits are visitors from abroad are expected to eat out.

"Although we're doing everything we can to support food businesses, the public should play its part by taking a closer look when making food purchases," Appleby added.

In order to ensure food safety while eating out this summer, FSA has outlined several steps such as - always wash hands with soap and water before touching or eating food; check for a hygiene rating sticker on the food business and ensure that it is rated well; and take a closer look at the premises to ensure that it is clean.

To minimise the risks to food safety during London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, FSA is conducting an increased number of inspections of food businesses before and during the Games, and is running the Play It Safe campaign to raise awareness of food safety among businesses and visitors.