Is it done yet?

Published on 10 November 2017

With Australian Food Safety Week fast approaching, Rockhampton Regional Council today urged local consumers to buy and use a food thermometer. Chair of the Planning and Regulatory Committee, Cr Ellen Smith, also invited residents to Council’s free Food Safety Week event.

“A Food Safety Information Council survey has found that 75% of Australians surveyed reported that there wasn’t a food thermometer in their household, and only 44% of those with a thermometer reported using it over the previous month,” Cr Smith said.

“There are an estimated 4.1 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year that result in 31,920 hospitalisations, 86 deaths and 1 million visits to doctors. There are also escalating rates of Campylobacter and Salmonella infection that are particularly linked to poorly cooked poultry and egg dishes.

“To help reduce this number, we are encouraging all Australians to pick up a food thermometer from their local homeware store. You can come along to Council’s display at Stockland Rockhampton next week to learn how to use the thermometer to get the perfect piece of meat.

“You can also get the kids involved by entering our Food Safety Explorer colouring-in competition.”

Council’s free food safety display will be opposite Coffee Club at Stockland Rockhampton on 14 and 15 November between 9am and 5pm, and on 16 November 9am to 8pm.