Most people in UK take food safety risks while eating out: Survey

About three-quarters of people in the UK are willing to take food safety risks when eating out, which puts them at increased risk of food poisoning, especially during the upcoming London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a new survey carried out for the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The online survey, conducted by Censuswide, involved 2,205 people in the UK, and was conducted between 21 June and 5 July 2012, as part of the FSA’s Play It Safe campaign, which focuses on food safety during the Olympics.

About 26% of the people surveyed said that they take food safety risks while on a holiday, 15% noted that they take a chance with their food at sporting and music events, and 28% said that they are more likely to overlook food safety following an evening out.

Only 25% of respondents said that they never take a food safety risk.

The survey also showed that people often do not have a clear idea about the foods that are likely to lead to illness while eating out.

For example, 18% said that kebabs are more likely to lead to food poisoning, when only 2.6% noted that they suffered food poisoning in the past due to kebabs.

Only 3.7% of the people thought that cooked meat or fish led to food poisoning, but about 25% said that they had fallen ill in the past due to these foods.

FSA Enforcement head Sarah Appleby said that this survey shows that food safety is often overlooked when people are away from home or at an event, and this will pose risk during the Olympic period when more people are expected to eat out.

"Although we’re doing everything we can to support food businesses, the public should play its part by taking a closer look when making food purchases," Appleby added.

In order to ensure food safety while eating out this summer, FSA has outlined several steps such as to check for a hygiene rating sticker at food outlets, and wash hands with soap and water before eating food.

To minimise the risks to food safety during London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, FSA is conducting an increased number of inspections of food businesses before and during the Games, and is running the Play It Safe campaign to raise awareness of food safety among establishments and visitors.

---

Image: The new FSA survey shows that food safety is often overlooked when people are at an event, and this will pose a risk during the Olympic period when more people are expected to eat out. Photo: Naomi Kuwashima.