Food Safety

Food safety for street parties

If you're planning to cater for a Street Party, please take time to read through these "Do's and Don'ts". As the person preparing or providing the food, it's your responsibility to make sure you don't make anyone ill.

Food poisoning is a miserable and potentially dangerous experience.

DO:

1. Make sure you have enough refrigerator space to store foods before and after cooking. Use neighbours' 'fridges if possible.
2. Store cooked foods above raw foods in the 'fridge to prevent "drip" and keep food in covered containers.
3. Clean work surfaces with hot water and washing up liquid and use an antibacterial spray in between the preparation of raw and cooked foods.
4. Defrost frozen meat and chicken thoroughly in a fridge before cooking.
5. Keep hot food "hot" and cold food "cold".
6. Make sure the middle of the food, especially meat, burgers and sausages, is thoroughly cooked. Avoid the "burnt on the outside, raw in the middle" method of barbecuing. (See BBQ leaflet for more information)
7. Use cool boxes to store food outside and replace defrosted ice packs throughout the event.
8. Wash your hands with soap before handling food and after using the toilet.
9.Throw away any food that has been stored at room temperature or which has been outside for more than 4 hours. Any food kept in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours must be thrown away.

DON'T:

1. Leave food in the kitchen or outside for too long before it's eaten. Remember, in the summer warm temperatures will help food poisoning bacteria grow quickly.
2. Leave food uncovered – flies and insects are dirty and spread bacteria onto foods. 
3. Store beer, wine and drinks in the 'fridge, use an ice bucket or cool box. Keep the 'fridge free for storing food needed for the party.
4. Use raw eggs for making mousses, meringues, and mayonnaise. Use pasteurised egg or shop-bought mayonnaise and meringues.
5. Wipe hands on a tea towel; use a separate kitchen towel or disposable paper towels

If you would like more information The Food Standards Agency has produced some common-sense guidance to help things run smoothly and safely.

http://www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2012/may/streetparties