22 August 2019
Islanders are being reminded to take care if barbecuing this Bank Holiday weekend, whether on the beach, at the park or in the garden.
Health Safety
Caroline Maffia, Assistant Director of Environmental Health said: “Cases of food poisoning almost double during the summer, and research shows that the undercooking of raw meat and contamination of bacteria, like Salmonella and E. coli, onto food we eat are among the main reasons.”
Environmental Health and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) have issued the following advice for barbecuing:
• pre-cook meat in the oven and then finish it off on the barbecue
• check your meat is cooked on the inside, not just charred on the outside
• don’t wash raw chicken or other meat as it splashes germs
• store meats separately before cooking to avoid cross-contamination
• use different utensils, plates and chopping boards for raw and cooked meat
Fire Safety
Station Commander Ryan Hall said: "We are seeing the return of some hot and sunny weather this week and we want islanders to enjoy it to the full. However, over the summer we have attended many bin fires, where people have used the disposable barbeques and then put them into dustbins before they have cooled sufficiently.
"We would like to remind people to ensure that their barbecues are cold before disposing of them, ideally by pouring water over them and allowing them time to go cold or by putting the barbecues alongside the bins if they are still warm. It is crucial that all gas barbecues are well maintained and checked before use."
The Fire service recommend:
• be carbon monoxide aware as charcoal emits the toxic gas, so keep your barbecue down wind and in open air
• place your barbecue in a safe area, away from gorse and heathland that is easily lit
• never leave your barbecue unattended
• be careful when disposing of ashes as they still may be hot
• have a bucket of water or sand nearby the barbecue in case of emergencies
• don’t drop matches or cigarettes or use a naked flame anywhere near heathland
• make sure your gas barbecue is in good working order
• you read manufacturer’s instructions about how to check for leaks in the connections and hoses and that the regulator is correctly fitted
Fire safety advice
More advice for barbecuing
gov.je