Ensure Jubilee celebrations go down well with food safety guidance

Published: 24 May 2022

Party goers celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next week are being reminded to enjoy the special occasion safely and follow food hygiene guidance.

Exeter City Council is working closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to ensure the occasion is memorable for all the right reasons.

The Council and FSA have come up with some easy to follow tips so that the food at events can be served up and enjoyed safely.

People have been reminded that warm weather and outdoor cooking are the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow, and risks remain when preparing and serving chilled food in these conditions. 

Narriman Looch, Head of Foodborne Disease Control at the FSA said: “We are delighted that the Platinum Jubilee gives communities in Exeter a chance to enjoy gathering together over the long weekend to celebrate this historic milestone. Celebrating safely means thinking about food safety ahead of time, so on the day you can concentrate on enjoying the party. 
 
“We know there’s a lot to organise, but don’t forget hygiene is also important, so plan out carefully how you will prepare, make and store food. None of us want unsafe food to affect the fun we will all hope to have on the day.” 

For those planning an event, here are some simple tips for those making food for large numbers of people:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water before food preparation and consumption
• Always wash fresh fruit and vegetables
• Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods apart
• Do not use food past its use-by date
• Always read any cooking instructions and make sure food is properly cooked before it is served – it needs to be piping hot
• Ensure that food preparation areas are cleaned and sanitised before and after use and ensure equipment is washed in hot soapy water
• Plan ahead to keep food cool until it’s ready to eat. Any foods that are normally kept in the fridge at home also need to be kept cool during the picnic or party. This includes any food with a use-by-date, cooked dishes, salads and dairy products
• Place these foods in a cool box or cool bag with ice or frozen gel packs. Distribute these throughout the box or bag, not all at the bottom. Frozen drinks can also be used to help keep the cool box cold. Store cold food below five degrees to prevent bacteria from growing.

People do not need a food hygiene training certificate to make and sell food for charity events, however they do need to make sure that the food is handled safely.  Following FSA guidance on the 4 Cs: cleaning, chilling, cooking, avoiding cross-contamination will help those prepare a safe feast for the community.  

Those putting on a one-off event for friends and neighbours do not need to register, however if any food businesses are present they must be registered with the local council.

People can find out more about holding a street party and contacting their local food safety team on the FSA website at https://www.food.gov.uk/contact/consumers/find-details/contact-a-local-food-safety-team