Views from the bar: Beware food poisoning for Xmas

KANISA GEORGE

Most people would agree that Christmas simply cannot exist without food, food, and more food. Forget watching your weight or opting for healthier choices, Christmas is an excuse to get down and dirty with food. Because we are what we eat, it is vital to not only be mindful of our food group choices but also the how, where and when associated with food. Though eating is at the top of your to-do list, dealing with the repercussions of food-borne illness isn't, and this is a variable that many of us don't stop to consider during the holidays.

Food-Borne illness or food poisoning is usually high during the holiday period, and it's essential to be on the lookout for factors that could put you and your family at risk. According to researcher Dr Michael Eyles, you are more likely to get food poisoning at Christmas time because the fridge is overloaded and you're cooking for more people than usual. This makes the perfect conditions for food poisoning.

The potential to contract any food-related illness often arises long before the food gets to your home. Groceries, mini marts, vegetable stalls and fish depots, are sometimes breeding grounds for food poisoning. You must do your part to prevent this.

The Food and Drug Act Chapter 30:01 is all-encompassing and aims to ensure food and drug safety. As consumers, we are vulnerable to harmful substances, chemicals, and a host of other factors relative to food production and manufacturing. Sadly, we aren't always aware of what goes into a product, and legislations are just the thing needed to protect us.

Section 3 (1) of the Act gives the Minister of Health the power to order the furnishing of particulars relating to composition, use and effects of substances used in food and drugs. One of the ways we are quickly put at risk for food illness, is the consumption of unsanitary or partly decomposed food. Thankfully, the Act covers this violation by making it an offence to sell such. Further, section 5 of the Act states that any person who sells an article of food which has in or upon it any poisonous or harmful substance; is unfit for human consumption; consists in whole or in part of any filthy, putrid, disgusting, rotten, decomposed, or diseased animal or vegetable substance; is adulterated; was manufactured, prepared, preserved, packaged or stored under unsanitary conditions, is guilty of an offence.

Notably, section 7 deals with maintenance of food standards, and it states: where a standard has been prescribed for food, any person who labels, packages, sells, or advertises any article in such a manner that it is likely to be mistaken for food, is, unless the article complies with the prescribed standard, guilty of an offence.

Section 8 covers the crucial steps in the food production process. It states: any person who manufactures, prepares, preserves, packages, or stores for sale any food under unsanitary conditions, is guilty of an offence. The penalties under the Act are governed by section 33. It states that every person who commits an offence under this Act is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $1,500 and imprisonment for three months. For a subsequent offence, to a fine of $3,000 and imprisonment for six months. On conviction a third time, a fine of $15,000 and to imprisonment for three years.

Under the Act, there are several regulations in place to ensure food safety. These cover labelling, food standards and dried and dehydrated products. Though these regulations exist, they aren't always foolproof, and products of a substandard quality still manage to reach the shelf. This is where your vigilance comes in.

When shopping, be mindful of where you're buying and how and where the product is stored, especially when purchasing fish and poultry. Best before dates and clear packaging are a must and should never be overlooked. Importantly, to prevent cross-contamination, store raw meat, fish, and shellfish separately from ready-to-eat food and vegetables, and keep these covered on the bottom shelf of your fridge.

After shopping, hygiene should always be at the back of your mind when storing, cooking, reusing, and freezing. This will help keep your Christmas festivities safe and minimise food-borne illnesses. Food brings the merry to any Christmas celebration, be vigilant and do all you can to safeguard you and your loved ones.