It’s common to fire up the BBQ in sunny weather. But, it’s important to follow food safety advice.
This helps to avoid contaminating your food and food poisoning.
Do
follow all instructions on the packaging – some foods can be cooked from frozen, while others need to be defrosted in advance
defrost meat thoroughly before cooking, ideally in your fridge
cook food in the oven before finishing on the barbeque to ensure it’s cooked all the way through
keep meat and ready to eat foods separate – like salad and bread
turn food regularly to cook it evenly
use separate utensils for raw and cooked meats
heat foods until steaming hot before eating
wash ready to eat salad bags and all foods that can be eaten without peeling
Don’t
do not use a sauce or marinade for cooked food that’s had raw meat in it
do not wash uncooked meat
do not eat hot foods that have been left out in the heat – especially foods like cooked rice, cooked meats, shellfish and dairy products
Avoiding bugs and germs outdoors
The summer months are an opportunity to get out and enjoy outdoor spaces. This can be brilliant for both your physical and mental health. But, be mindful that a small number of people each year are affected by infections caught outdoors.
Do
wear gloves while gardening, especially if you handle compost, as there can be Legionella bacteria
wear a mask if you’re working on anything dusty
wash your hands after doing outdoor activities
wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with farm animals or the environment where they’re kept – like a gate, fence or building
be aware of when and where you can be bitten by ticks – ticks in Scotland can carry the germ that causes Lyme disease
take plenty of clean drinking water when you’re outdoors
use chemical treatments or boil water to make untreated water safe to drink
Don’t
do not drink untreated water – germs like E.coli can contaminate lochs, rivers and burns and can be harmful if swallowed
Owners urged to keep pets safe as vets report an increase in barbecue related injuries
With the last days of the summer rapidly approaching, pet owners are being urged to keep kebab sticks, corn on the cob and other barbecue related items away from their animals to help avoid emergency trips to the vet.
Every summer, vets see many cases of dogs with injuries caused by eating wooden and metal kebab skewers, whole corn cobs, onions and cooked bones.
Although corn is not poisonous to dogs, their inability to digest the cobs can lead to obstructions, often requiring emergency surgery to prevent the risk of intestinal rupture, which can have severe consequences.
Skewers and splinters from cooked bones can also lead to serious internal injuries which often require life-saving surgery.
A new British Veterinary Association survey has revealed that last year, two fifths (39%) of vets who had treated companion animals had seen pets with barbecue related injuries, an increase from the 25% in 2018.
The most common issues were caused by eating inappropriate food (32%), such as corn cobs (25%) and cooked bones (18%). Injuries caused to pets’ mouths or internal injuries by skewers, which can be picked up accidentally with meat products such as lamb kebabs, were seen by 13% of vets while burns from barbecues, coals or hot food had been seen by 2% of vets.
Corn on the cob
Bailey, a two-year-old Labrador, had to be whisked to the vet after cheekily scoffing down corn on the cob at a barbecue. Bailey is very rarely sick, so her owners were concerned when she was unwell one morning.
They initially thought she’d thrown up some dog treats, but a closer look revealed she had vomited up pieces of corn on the cob. After calling their vets for advice, they hurried her to West End Vets at Tollcross, Edinburgh, where she was sedated and examined.
An x-ray worryingly showed she had more inside her stomach and small intestine, which could kill her as dogs are unable to digest corn on the cob, so vets performed a four-hour-long life-saving operation to remove it.
Happily, she survived the incident and is now at home with her owners once again.
Skewers
Wren, a four-year-old greyhound, had an incredibly lucky escape after swallowing a kebab skewer at a barbecue. Her owners didn’t notice her sneaking the kebab so were not aware her life was at risk straight away.
She had some intermittent vomiting and lethargy for a few weeks after the barbecue, so they were keeping an eye on her, but it was only when she jumped up and yelped that it became apparent what had happened – the kebab skewer was suddenly sticking out of her side!
She was rushed immediately to the vets, where she was taken into surgery and it was found that the skewer had gone through her stomach, through her pancreas and then pierced her skin to poke outside her body.
Happily, like Bailey, the emergency surgery saved her life, and she is now recovering well thanks to the quick actions of her owners and the vets who cared for her.
British Veterinary Association Junior Vice President Anna Judson said: “Pets, and dogs in particular, are always on the lookout for a sneaky treat and won’t hesitate to chew on or gobble something down even if it may cause them harm. It can happen so quickly too.
“One of the most dramatic cases I’ve seen was a tiny cut on the tongue of a young lab. Caused by a cheeky lick of a cracked plate, the blood seemed to be spraying out as he leapt around, but the actual wound was very small. The owners did absolutely the right thing bringing him in so we could sedate and treat him.
“Have fun but keep an eye on your pet, make sure food and sharp objects are kept out of paws reach and ensure your pet stays away from hot barbecues or grills to help avoid emergency dashes to the vet. Always phone your vet if you’re concerned and don’t leave things to chance, it is better to be safe than sorry.”
A kitchen expert has revealed the simple safety tip that’s often ignored during BBQ season – despite reducing the risk of food poisoning
Brits often prepare their raw meat products on a plate or board and carry them to their BBQ – before returning the cooked meat to the same surface
BBQ hosts may grow complacent as the day progresses, data shows, with accidental fires 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm
Other kitchen mishaps include leaving meat out of the fridge while prepping, placing hot dishes on countertops, and reusing contaminated marinade
A kitchen expert has revealed the common mistakes Brits will make when hosting a BBQ this summer – which can increase the risk of food poisoning, and even cause fires.
Mert Yashar, Director at House of Worktops, says that it’s easy for many of us to forget essential kitchen safety tips while celebrating the warm weather, but with data showing that food poisoning cases rise in the summer months, it’s important to stay on the ball.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), there are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness a year, and the risk rises in summer as the warm weather boosts bacterial growth.
Add to this that nationwide Google searches for ‘food poisoning symptoms’ rose by 60% in June alone, and prioritising BBQ safety is crucial ahead of the upcoming July heatwave.
Mert says: “As we’ve already enjoyed some high temperatures over the last month, it’s likely many of our friends and family have already hosted or discussed hosting a BBQ. And while it’s practically a British summer staple to fire up the grill as soon as possible, the fact is that many hosts will start to let their food safety standards slip once the good weather kicks in.
“The most easily-avoidable mistake that many make is laying out their raw meat in an easy-to-grab fashion on a chopping board or plate, which they then carry to the grill. They then place the cooked products back onto the same surface to be transported back inside, or to an outdoor table where condiments, garnishes, and guests are waiting.
“Just because the meat has been cooked doesn’t mean it’s safe to place it on a surface that’s previously held raw meat, as this will cause contamination. And it’s easy to forget this, as you’re likely preoccupied with not burning the meat or yourself on the grill.”
The expert reveals that this preoccupation can result in other essential safety tips being overlooked, as hosts have to juggle cooking and entertaining their guests in a social setting.
Mert adds: “It’s all too easy to lose track of time when hosting any event, but especially one that’s very social and based outdoors.
“Other common mishaps that occur include leaving raw meat unrefrigerated for an extended time while waiting for the grill to heat up, not keeping side dishes covered to protect them from bacteria or bugs, and rushing to take the meat off the grill before it’s ready to free it up for the next batch of product.
“Hosts can even find themselves reapplying the same marinade they’ve placed raw meat in to baste the cooked meat on the grill – just before serving it to their unsuspecting guests.”
But it’s not just food contamination that being distracted or lazy can lead to, as barbecues reportedly account for around 1,800 accident and emergency visits yearly – most of which (44%) are for burns, while 1 in 10 visits are due to cuts from sharp objects.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), most barbecue accidents happen in a home setting (78%) instead of a public place, and the likelihood of injury increases considerably as temperatures rise.
As temperatures rise throughout the day and the grill has been used successfully, hosts may become complacent around BBQ safety – especially if they drink alcohol while cooking.
Figures on domestic fire incidents from the Home Office support this, as an accidental fire is 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm than any other time. Dwelling fires are also 10% more prevalent in June and July than in May or August.
But there are some easy ways to prioritise fire and food safety at your next BBQ, House of Worktops reveals, as long as you remember the following advice:
Keep your raw and cooked meat utensils separate. Using different plates and tongs for raw and cooked meat ensures cross-contamination can’t occur. If you’re working with limited containers, place cooked meat directly onto your guests’ plates so that the board or plate is only used to bring raw meat to the grill. Make sure to use hot, soapy water to wash anything that raw meat has covered thoroughly.
Make sure your meat and side dishes are covered. While it’s tempting to put on a spread and then turn all of your attention to the grill, it’s much safer to keep your side dishes covered with foil or clingfilm right up until you need to use them, to avoid any bugs or bacteria sneaking in. You’ll also want to keep your meat refrigerated until the grill has heated up – unless the product says it needs to reach room temperature first.
Avoid placing hot dishes on cold and wooden surfaces. Not only can placing hot dishes on your countertops cause blistering or burning but it can also make it harder for your guests to keep track of which containers are too hot to touch. Place glass or metal dishes on a wooden chopping board or cooling rack so that it’s easier to distinguish, and so you avoid damaging your kitchen surfaces.
Make sure your grill is clean before firing it up. The best time to clean your BBQ is immediately after it’s heated but before you start cooking again, as this will make it easier to get grease off and ensure you’re not contaminating food. Brush off the grates and racks once they’re cool with a wire brush, scraper, or scourer, and keep an eye out for any debris that may fall onto the hot coals while your food cooks.
Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby. Your BBQ should ideally be set at least 10 feet away from your house and should have a bucket of water or sand close by for emergency extinguishing. If your BBQ uses gas, don’t use water and instead opt for sand or salt, as water on a grease fire can cause a flare-up. Make sure to close the lid once adding your water/sand to help starve the fire of oxygen.
With a two-week heatwave currently expected in July as temperatures could soar to 40C, it’s key that Brits ensure they avoid hosting BBQs in the sweltering heat unless following safety precautions, as dry grass also increases fire risk.
Hot, dry weather could increase risk of fires this bank holiday
Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual urges visitors to the countryside not to use disposable barbecues or start campfires
One spark can start a massive fire which threatens people, wildlife and livestock
Homeowners also urged to beware of greater fire risks around the home and garden during hot weather
With the Met Office predicting warm, dry weather for the bank holiday weekend and the following week, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is making a plea for homeowners and holidaymakers across the UK to practice good fire safety to avoid disaster.
Hot weather in Spring generally leads to a spike in reports of fires at home and in public spaces across the United Kingdom. These fires can spread quickly and are difficult to put out, causing devastating damage to vast areas of the British countryside and coastland, destroying natural habitats and endangering livestock and wildlife.
Many large grass or gorse fires last year were traced back to disposal barbecues or fire pits, including fires in the Peak District, Salisbury Plain and Northern Ireland’s Murlough National Nature Reserve. Blazes in Bristol, Dorset and Devon were also sparked by disposable barbecues in 2022.
With the risks clear, leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is making a plea to day-trippers and the rural community alike not to light barbecues or fire pits in the countryside, unless in a designated area.
Andrew Chalk, rural insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said:“Every year we see large fires quickly spreading through grass and gorse land in the UK, wreaking havoc in our countryside, coastland and important habitats.
“These fires can also encroach onto farmland, putting farmers, livestock and crops at risk and disrupting them at a vital time of year.
“While we don’t yet have the tinderbox conditions of high summer, an out-of-control barbecue could still cause a devastating blaze. We’re imploring people to enjoy the countryside responsibly: Please don’t use disposable barbecues, light firepits or build open fires, as these can spit sparks and also smoulder for hours after you leave.
“Additionally, don’t drop matches or cigarettes, which could spark a fire, and don’t risk leaving bottles on the ground which can act as a focus for sunlight.”
Fire safety at home
Barbecues and fire pits can also lead to devastating fires at home, so it’s important homeowners practice good fire safety.
Andrew Chalk explains: “While it may not be advisable in extreme heat, homeowners should be fine to barbecue this week providing they take sensible precautions.
“Open flames and grease will always present a fire risk, so keep barbecues well away from dry grass, shrubbery and bushes and make sure they are clean before lighting to prevent dangerous sparks from spitting up. Make sure you have access to water and keep barbecues well away from the home – particularly if you have a thatched house.
“Also be careful with electronics. Even in these temperatures, devices kept in direct sunlight or which become too hot when charged could spark a fire.
“By taking sensible precautions, people can protect their homes and possessions by preventing the cause of fire. It is also worth talking to your insurer to make sure you are adequately insured should the worse happen. Gardens are often overlooked when it comes to insuring a home, but restoring a garden with established plants, shrubs and trees can be a costly affair.”
NFU Mutual countryside fire checklist:
Don’t drop used matches or cigarettes – they can smoulder and start a fire
Don’t start campfires or use disposable barbecues on grass, moorland or in forests
Call 999 if you spot a fire while out in the countryside
Avoid parking in narrow country lanes where access for emergency services vehicles could be blocked
Don’t drop litter – discarded bottles can focus sunlight and start a fire
Keep to footpaths when walking in the countryside
At home:
Don’t overload plug sockets – this can increase the chance of sparks
Keep an eye on charging electrical devices to ensure they do not get too hot
Avoid leaving electrical devices out in the sun
Dispose of matches and cigarettes in a fireproof container
Keep air conditioning units free of dust, which can build up and be a fire hazard
If barbecuing, ensure the barbecue is regularly cleaned and keep it away from dry grass, shrubbery or bushes. Do not barbecue in an enclosed area or too close to the house
– The new BBQ Box launches to coincide with alfresco meet-ups –
– The limited edition box includes everything you need for a BBQ and can be ordered for next-day delivery –
With garden get-togethers back on the cards this week and as the weather starts to warm up, Morrisons has launched a new bumper BBQ Food Box to wow your guests and cook up a storm for meat eaters and veggies alike.
The box includes plenty to throw on the grill; with classic British Beef Quarter Pounders and The Best Pork Sausages and Chicken Drumsticks, or Belly Pork Slices and Morrisons Cypriot Halloumi for something a little different.
There’s no need to pick up extras, as the box also features staples such as soft white rolls and cheese singles as well as condiments – Heinz Thai Sweet Chilli Sauce and Flava-It Barbecue Marinade – to set tastebuds alight.
Sides and snacks are also covered, including Morrisons The Best Gruyere & Poppy Twists, Doritos Tangy Cheese Sharing Tortilla Chips and Morrisons Sour Cream Dip for guests to tuck into when they arrive. There are also plenty of fresh ingredients to mix up a tasty side salad.
Finally, those with a sweet tooth can dive into Morrisons Flapjack Mini Bites and Morrisons Market Street Brownie Mini Bites.
Mollie Clarke, Food Box Specialist at Morrisons said: “The sun is finally starting to come out, just in time for friends and family gatherings in the back garden. Our new BBQ Food Box takes away the stress of hosting, featuring everything our customers need to grill up a delicious spread for kids, adults, meat lovers and veggies.”
Morrisons limited-edition BBQ Food Box costs £40 including next day delivery and is available now on the Morrisons food boxes website – visit:
Here in Scotland, we boast some of the most stunning scenery in the UK – we’d really appreciate your help to keep it that way.
Warmer weather and the increased numbers of people visiting the countryside creates a greater risk of fire.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Alasdair Perry said: “Camping is something that lots of people enjoy each summer in Scotland and as lockdown restrictions ease many will be eager to get outdoors and rightly enjoy the stunning countryside in which we live once again.
“We always want people to stay safe and have a good experience.
“Tents are susceptible to fire which can take hold very quickly. Using stoves or other cooking and heating equipment in tents could endanger lives not only from fire but also as a result of a build-up of Carbon Monoxide so we’d remind campers not to smoke or cook within tents and use torches instead of candles.
“If barbecuing or considering a camp fire, where these are allowed, never leave it unattended, ensure it is well away from anything to which it could spread and keep children and pets away from the cooking area. Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of preparing the food.
“Do not dispose of ashes until they are cold to the touch as hot ashes can melt a plastic bin causing fire. Wherever possible, they should always be doused with water prior to leaving them unattended. The danger of wildfire is very real in Scotland.
“An important point to remember is that even cold barbecues or fuelled appliances can still give off Carbon Monoxide for some time after use therefore they should always be kept outside.
“Gas barbecues should be used in a well ventilated area.
“Remember to keep your area tidy and always clear up litter when done. Whist we all wish to keep our country beautiful, litter can seriously injure wildlife and items such as glass bottles in strong sunlight have the potential to start a fire.
“In addition to all this, if people are spending more time outdoors near waterways please be aware of the risks around cold water shock to prevent avoidable tragedies.”
Please visit the ‘Your Safety’ section of our website for more information or visit https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/
Three quarters (75%) of people are unaware of the potentially fatal risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from barbecues.
Two thirds (70%) wouldn’t suspect CO poisoning if they experienced headaches, dizziness or nausea after a barbeque.
In Scotland, around eight in ten (83%) are unaware of carbon monoxide poisoning as a potential risk from barbecues, with only one in seven (14%) being aware in Edinburgh and one in five (19%) aware in Glasgow.
As the UK’s scorching temperatures continue through July, new research from the CO Be Alarmed! campaign – published today – reveals that millions of Britons could be at risk this summer because three quarters of them don’t know that barbecues can lead to CO poisoning when not used correctly.
In addition, the research also shows that, worryingly, most people would fail to identify the symptoms of CO poisoning.
Nearly half of Britons are planning to have a barbecue this summer but, despite the potentially fatal consequences of CO poisoning, people are more aware of other risks such as burns, food poisoning and accidents with barbeque implements.
CO Be Alarmed! has come up with these easy to follow steps on how to stay CO Safe this summer:
Don’t bring your barbeque into an enclosed space – for example inside a tent or your home. Even when extinguished it will still produce fumes for some time.
Always make sure you are in a well-ventilated area when using a barbecue or a gas stove and follow the manufacturers’ safety instructions.
If camping, make sure you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm which you can get from DIY stores, high street shops and online.
Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it, so make sure you know the symptoms – headaches, dizziness, nausea.
Abbie Sampson, Director of External Affairs at Energy UK and CO Be Alarmed! spokesperson, said: “In this glorious summer weather, it is scary that three quarters of people are not aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide when using a barbecue.
“It is very simple to stay safe from carbon monoxide this summer. Just make sure you use the barbecue in a well-ventilated area and never take it inside your house or tent – even when it is extinguished it could still produce fumes.”
Nichola Ashby, Professional Lead for Education at the Royal College of Nursing said: “If you’ve been sitting round a barbecue in an enclosed space such a tent or garage and get an unexplained headache, sickness or feel unusually sleepy or drowsy, move into the open air immediately and to breathe fresh air.
If the symptoms persist, seek medical assistance and explain that you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning. The condition can be difficult for healthcare professionals to diagnose, so the more information you or friends and family can give them, the better”.
The survey reveals that burns (65%), food poisoning (62%), accidental fires (56%), accidents with barbeque implements (36%), alcohol related accidents (33%) all came above carbon monoxide poisoning (25%) in people’s awareness of the potential risks from barbecues. If suffering the symptoms of CO poisoning, 38% of people would think they had food poisoning and 31% sunstroke.
