Food safety when eating out

Busy lifestyles have created a booming industry for restaurants and takeaway outlets. However, such convenience can cause problems - how do you know if the food you are about to eat is safe?

Some types of food poisoning organisms can be present on the food to begin with or can be placed there through incorrect handling, storage and preparation of food. Common types of food which bacteria thrive on include meat, chicken, seafood, dairy products, eggs and even cooked rice.

The risk of illness can be reduced if foods are handled and cooked properly, and eaten immediately.

Takeaway bars and restaurants do have a responsibility to ensure that the food you receive is safe, but there are things you can also do to ensure the food you eat is safe.

Take care when choosing where to eat or buy takeaway food. When you enter the premises look for the following:

• is it clean? Dirty floors, work surfaces and tables can carry bacteria and attract pests. If the owners can't keep their premises clean, chances are they can't keep their food clean
• are the staff well presented? A neat appearance is important - clean hands and nails, hair tied back and a clean uniform
• can you see the food being prepared? If you can see the food being prepared and cooked, look to see if it is being done in a hygienic manner. How is your food being handled? It is better if the person uses tongs rather than gloves, unless the gloves are changed between each task.

One of the golden rules for food safety is to keep hot foods hot, and cold foods cold.

Foods which should be steaming hot include all cooked foods served to you, food in hot display cabinets, and takeaway or delivered foods. Eat these foods immediately while they are still hot.

Cold foods should be cold to the touch and should be displayed either on ice, or in refrigerated conditions.

Pre-made sandwiches and rolls containing perishables such as cheese, eggs and meat should always be stored refrigerated. Avoid buying such products if they are not kept refrigerated.

Certain foods should be cooked thoroughly. Minced meat, meatloaf and sausages should be cooked until steaming hot right through, with no pink meat. Pork and poultry juices should run clear.

If you are presented with an undercooked product, send it back. Remember to ask for fresh accompaniments, such as vegetables, as juices from the undercooked products could have contaminated these items.

So remember when eating out or purchasing takeaway food, check for the following:

• cleanliness of staff and surroundings
• temperature control. Perishable foods should be kept and stored either very hot (steaming hot) or very cold (refrigerator cold)
• food should be cooked correctly, particularly chicken, sausages and meat patties.

If you are not happy with the food safety aspects of a restaurant or takeaway establishment, do not return there to eat. Explain clearly to management the reasons why you are not happy or contact your local council environmental health officer.