- Published:
- Tuesday 7 April 2015
Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy and Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford today marked World Health Day at the Collingwood Children’s Farm, reminding Victorian families about the importance of food safety.
This year’s World Health Day theme is ‘From farm to plate, make food safe’, which aims to promote the importance of improving food production, preparation and consumption across the world.
Unsafe food can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and chemicals that can lead to more than 200 diseases and illnesses, with the most common being gastroenteritis.
There are about 5.4 million cases of food-related gastroenteritis in Australia each year, resulting in 1.2 million people visiting a GP, 300,000 prescriptions for antibiotics, and 2.1 million days of work lost.
About 20 per cent of food poisoning cases are thought to be due to poor food handling in the home.
On World Health Day, the Andrews Labor Government urges everyone – farmers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers – to think seriously about food safety.
Top food safety tips include keeping high-risk food at 5°C or below, and above 60°C to avoid the 'temperature danger zone' where bacteria multiply fastest. As a general rule, raw food should never be refrozen once thawed.
High-risk foods include raw and cooked meat, dairy products, eggs and egg products, smallgoods, seafood, cooked rice and pasta, and pre-prepared products like coleslaws, fruit salads and sandwiches.
Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water is key to food safety and stopping the spread of germs.
It’s also important that fresh fruit and vegetables are washed thoroughly in clean water, even if home-grown or with a skin, to remove bacteria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy
“World Health Day is a timely reminder for all of us to ensure the food we prepare for our families and friends is safe to eat.”
“Food poisoning is incredibly debilitating, and can be life-threatening for unborn babies, young children, older people and those with weakened immune systems.”
“Everyone loves putting on a delicious meal, and by following some really simple tips we can make sure it’s been prepared safely too.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford
“This year’s World Health Day theme recognises that managing food safety needs to occur across the whole supply chain, from ‘farm to fork’.”
“Farmers, processors, retailers and consumers all have a part to play to ensure that the food we eat is safe.”
“Victoria is known for fantastic food and fresh produce – let’s support our farmers by buying local where possible.”