PR 195
13 June 2006
Children in five first schools across the Borough of Great Yarmouth are finding out, by using an ultraviolet hand inspection unit, just how mucky their hands can be even after washing - if they don’t do a thorough job!
The youngsters, together with environmental health staff from the Borough Council, are taking part in National Food Safety Week, which is organised annually by the Food and Drink Federation to highlight a particular food safety topic.
This year it aims to target the chefs of tomorrow and alert them to hygiene in the kitchen, and that even after washing hands they might not be that clean!
“There were some astonished faces when the youngsters saw, through using the ultraviolet machine, that despite their best efforts their hands weren’t as clean as they thought they would be,” said Commercial Manager Derryth Wright.
“W normally use the hand inspection unit during food hygiene training to demonstrate to food handlers the importance of thorough hand washing, and that there is a right and a wrong way to wash your hands,
“We hope the campaign will do the same for the food handlers of tomorrow.
“The idea behind the scheme is to get young people aware of hazards in the kitchen and how to combat them with good hygiene. A CD Rom was used to show a kitchen setting and the children identified the problems.
“It provided an enjoyable way to learn valuable lessons while also helping with IT and reading skills.
“The project aims to teach them while they are young the value of good hygiene – which they may even take home and educate Mum and Dad!”
Goody bags with information on hand washing, leaflets, stickers, pencils and other treats are also being given out.
The First schools taking part between June 12 and 16 are Caister, Martham, Hemsby, Alderman Swindell and Herman.
Note to editors: For further information call Commercial Manager Derryth Wright on 01493 846478.
Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513