FUN BBQs CAN BE SPOILT BY FOOD POISONING, BRIGG COUNCILLOR WARNS

Follow safety tips to avoid food poisoning this summer. 
That's the advice from North Lincolnshire Council and Brigg's Coun Rob Waltham, the authority's cabinet member overseeing health issues.  
Food poisoning cases double over the summer, so it’s important to look after yourself and your guests when hosting a barbecue by following simple food safety tips.
Food poisoning is generally quite common and mild, and most people suffering with it get better within a week. People should take the risks seriously though as some cases can be severe - even deadly. 
Those with a weakened immune system, older adults and children are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning. 
If you are cooking on the barbecue, the two main risk factors are:
Undercooked meat 
Spreading germs from raw meat onto food that is ready to eat (cross-contamination) 
Raw or undercooked meant can contain germs that cause food poisoning such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter. These germs can be killed by cooking meat until it is piping hot throughout.
When you’re cooking any kind of meat on a barbecue, such as poultry (chicken or turkey), pork, steak, burgers or sausages, make sure:
You always wash your hands after touching raw meat 
Use separate utensils (plates, tongs and chopping boards) for cooked and raw meat 
The coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before you start cooking, as this means they are hot enough 
Frozen meat is properly thawed before you cook it 
Never wash raw chicken or other poultry before cooking as this increases the risk of spreading campylobacter bacteria 
Don’t put raw meat next to cooked or partly cooked meat on the barbecue 
Don’t put sauce or marinade on cooked food if it has already been used with raw meat 
Turn meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly 
Remember that meat is safe to eat only when:

• It is piping hot in the centre 
• There is no pink meat visible 
• Any juices are clear 

Don’t assume that because meat is charred on the outside that it will be cooked properly on the inside. Always check before you eat or serve by cutting the thickest part of the meat and ensure none of it is pink inside. 
As well as cooking safety, people need to be aware of fire and carbon monoxide risks when using a barbecue. 
Make sure your barbecue is on a level surface away from trees and plants. The Fire Service advises that you cover the bottom of your barbecue with coal to a depth of no more than five centimetres (two inches). 
With charcoal barbecues, only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel, and only on cold coals. Use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.
If you are camping, you are advised never to light, use or leave smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or other enclosed spaces because of the risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. 
Coun Waltham, Cabinet Member for Health and Strategic Projects, says:  “As soon as summer arrives the barbecue season starts, and with it brings many potential risks that can be avoided if people follow a few simple steps. Barbecues are a great way to spend time with your family and friends whilst enjoying the summer sun, but we don’t want people to forget about their safety. A fun barbecue can quickly be spoilt by food poisoning. We are urging people who are planning to have a barbecue this summer to follow our top tips and this will ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time.”
If you have food poisoning, you shouldn’t prepare food for other people and you should try to keep contact with vulnerable people such as the elderly, infants or people who are already poorly to a minimum. Make sure everyone in your household (including yourself) washes their hands with soap and warm water regularly – particularly after going to the toilet and before and after preparing food.
Dr Faisel Baig, local GP and Unplanned Care lead with North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said: "if you are unfortunate enough to come down with food poisoning, it can usually be treated at home without seeing a doctor.
“Most people will feel better within a few days,” said Dr Baig. “It's important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water, even if you can only sip it, as you need to replace any fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. Try and rest as much as possible and when you feel up to eating stick to small, light and non-fatty meals at first or bland foods such as toast or crackers.  Contact your GP if your symptoms are severe or you don't start to improve in a few days.”