22 August 2008, 08/196
End the summer on a happy, healthy note
Thinking of ending the summer with a BBQ or celebration? Just
remember not to end it on the wrong note with your neighbours or
with food poisoning!
During the warmer months West Lancashire District Council tends
to receive a higher volume of complaints about noise than normal.
This is because people spend more time in the garden with the music
on, kids are playing in the street when they’re off school, windows
are left open causing noise to drift out or there’s late night
outdoor gatherings.
So the Council is offering some top tips to help keep the
peace!
> Always try to be considerate
> Warn your neighbours beforehand if you think you’re going
to have a noisy get-together - even offer them an invitation!
> Also urge your guests and children to keep the noise
down
If you are being bothered by noise don’t suffer in silence.
Visit the our noise
pages to log a complaint 24/7 in the comfort of your home.
Alternatively contact the Council’s Environmental Protection Team
on 01695 577177.
If you do decide to have an outdoor party such as a BBQ, don’t
just take neighbourly noise precautions, think about your health
too because cooking outside can increase the risk of food
poisoning! Instead, follow the Council’s simple food safety tips
and make sure you don’t get more than you’ve bargained for with
your burgers.
Cllr Geoff Hammond, Portfolio Holder for Community Services,
said: "Whilst socialising outside it’s always worth thinking about
next door and your own health else you could pay the price in more
ways than one. By following our tips and advice you can end the
summer on a high note without neighbour disputes or a dickey
tummy."
Key things to remember when having a BBQ:
> Always wash your hands before touching food and after
handling raw meat and poultry.
> Always keep cooked food away from raw food and use separate
utensils for raw and cooked meats.
> If possible, keep meats, salads and other perishable foods
in the fridge until just before you are ready to cook/eat them.
Alternatively, use a cool box with ice packs in it
> Make sure frozen food is fully thawed before you cook
it
> Wait until the charcoal is glowing red, with a powdery grey
surface, before you start to cook.
> Turn food regularly and move it around the barbeque to cook
it evenly.
> Cook poultry, sausages, burgers and chopped or minced meats
right through until none of the meat is pink and juices run
clear.
> During cooking, if the food starts to burn on the outside,
do not assume that the inside of the food has reached a temperature
that will kill bacteria and is cooked through. Raise the grill
height or reduce the heat of the barbeque.
> Eat food as soon as it is ready.
> Keep serving bowls covered to protect food from dust,
insects and pets.
For more help and advice on Food Safety call the Food Safety
Team on 01695 577177 or visit our food safety pages.
Related information
> Environmental protection
> Food
safety