The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently campaigning to raise consumer awareness about food safety. The #Safe2EatEU campaign aims to encourage consumers to make safe food choices and to increase confidence in the EU's evidence-based food safety system. The Finnish Food Authority, which is involved in the campaign, reminds consumers to be careful in the home kitchen, as many foods can be a risk if hygiene is compromised.
Knowing and following the basic rules of food preparation and preservation can keep you safe from food-borne diseases. Poor cooking, improper reheating or poor hygiene can lead to food poisoning. This refers to infection or poisoning through food or drinking water. Temperature errors in food handling and preparation are the most common causes of food poisoning. Food is stored at room temperature or pre-cooked hot food is cooled too slowly. Food poisoning cases are also often caused by bacteria or viruses from raw food that have come into contact with cooked food. A large proportion of food poisoning cases are caused by norovirus, which is also highly transmissible from one person to another.
By following proper food handling, preparation and storage guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of food-borne illness. Careful hand washing and taking care of food temperatures and storage times are the most important ways to prevent food poisoning. The kitchen, cutting boards and utensils should also be kept clean.
“The old wisdom - wash your hands, use clean utensils, keep cold food cold and hot food hot - still applies and saves many people from unnecessary stomach aches,” says Leena Räsänen, Director General of the Finnish Food Authority.
The EU food safety system ensures food safety
The European Union maintains one of the best food safety systems in the world. It ensures that the food consumed by Europeans meets strict safety standards. The system is based on up-to-date scientific research and close cooperation between EFSA and national food safety authorities.
The EU food safety system guarantees consumers the right to know where their food comes from, how it is produced and what it contains. Experts across Europe assess the safety and nutritional quality of food. The assessment work draws on expertise at both national and EU level to ensure food safety for Europeans. Food producers, consumer organizations and other stakeholders also play an important role in food safety work.
#Safe2EeatEU campaign encourages informed choices
EFSA launched the fifth edition of the #Safe2EatEU campaign (formerly #EUChooseSafeFood) in spring to promote food safety for Europeans. The campaign aims to provide consumers with clear, science-based information and tips on food safety so that they can make informed choices in their daily lives.
This year, 23 countries, including Finland, are participating in #Safe2EatEU. This year's campaign focuses on safe and proper food handling, the healthiness of food and what is in it. The campaign can be seen on social media with the tag #Safe2EatEU. The campaign and its materials are available on EFSA's website: www.efsa.europa.eu/fi/safe2eat
Guidelines for safe cooking by the Finnish Food Authority
- Always start cooking by washing your hands
- Do not prepare food for others when you are sick
- Keep the kitchen, cutting boards and utensils clean
- Avoid spreading bacteria from raw to cooked food
- Heat food until cooked through
- Wash vegetables thoroughly before use
- Serve immediately or chill quickly
- Heat reheated food thoroughly
- Store perishable foods in the refrigerator (+2-+6 degrees Celsius).
Further information on the campaign:
EFSA: tel. +39 0521 036 14, press@efsa.europa.eu
Food Authority: Perttu Saralampi, Communications Specialist, tel. 029 520 4980, etunimi.sukunimi@ruokavirasto.fi
Additional information:
#Safe2EatEU campaign page (on EFSA website)
Hygiene in the home kitchen (in Finnish on FFA website)
Food poisoning (in Finnish on FFA website)
Open information on food poisoning outbreaks in Finland (in Finnish on FFA website)
Six simple tips to avoid food poisoning (on YouTube)
In Finland, the Finnish Food Authority works for food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health, supports the vitality of rural areas and develops and maintains information systems, customer services and registers.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is a European Union agency set up in 2002 to provide independent research information for risk management and to communicate current and emerging risks in the food chain. EFSA provides the scientific basis for legislation and regulation to protect European consumers from food-related risks. By working with national partners, EFSA contributes to the consistency of public communication on food safety in the EU.