DOMESTIC FOOD SAFETY AND HYGIENE: EDUCATING THE CONSUMER

Improved legislation controlling the major components of the food chain cannot ensure that food leaving the food retailer will remain safe until it is consumed. Mishandling of food in the home contributes to a significant number of food poisoning cases each year. A survey conducted in West Glamorgan in 1991 identified a lack of understanding by many respondents in several aspects of food safety and hygiene. Some weak points in knowledge relate to factors that have been acknowledged for many years, while others relate to the use of appliances in the kitchen and “new” food products. A multitude of educational material is available to the general public from many sources, but its effectiveness is questioned.