{"id":11650,"date":"2023-06-14T16:07:18","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T16:07:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vwa.co.uk\/blog\/?p=11650"},"modified":"2023-06-14T16:31:40","modified_gmt":"2023-06-14T16:31:40","slug":"how-to-ensure-food-safety-at-glastonbury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vwa.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-ensure-food-safety-at-glastonbury\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ensure Food Safety at Glastonbury"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Glastonbury 2023<\/a> kicks off next week and heralds the start of a summer jam-packed with music festivals and events. This year audiences will be treated to headline performances from Arctic Moneys, Guns \u2018n\u2019 Roses and Sir Elton John on the famous Pyramid Stage. But it\u2019s not just about the entertainment \u2013 there are hundreds of food stalls across the 900  acres site selling everything from hot dogs and burgers to gourmet street food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most common types of food poisoning at festivals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Large gatherings and temporary food set-ups can increase the likelihood of food-borne illnesses. The five most common are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Salmonella<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most people associate Salmonella with eggs and poultry, but it is also found in raw and undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products and fruit and vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E-Coli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Escherichia Coli (to give it its full name) can cause severe food poisoning . It is typically transmitted through undercooked minced beef, contaminated water and contaminated fruit and veg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campylobacter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campylobacter infections are commonly caused by cross-contamination and insufficient cooking temperatures. This is another bacterium that is generally associated with chicken and other poultry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norovirus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread like wildfire at festivals as it thrives in crowded conditions with shared facilities. Contaminated food and water as well as poor hygiene practices can contribute to Norovirus outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listeria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Listeriosis is caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium and is extremely unpleasant. Those infected experience high temperatures, nausea or vomiting, chills, aches and pains and diarrhoea. It is most likely to be caused by consuming ready-to-eat foods such as cold meats, soft cheeses etc. and is of particular concern at festivals as it can even survive in refrigerated environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Show festival-goers you\u2019re serious about food safety<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To guard against any potential food poisoning events, it\u2019s essential for food stallholders to prioritise  proper food handling and hygiene practices. If you\u2019re a caterer lucky enough to secure a pitch at this year\u2019s festivals, ensure you maintain a high standard of food safety<\/a> at your stall at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Food<\/figure>
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If you have a good Food Hygiene Rating<\/a>, display it prominently. It will give your customers confidence that not only do you prepare tasty, satisfying festival food, but you are committed to preparing and serving food which is safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Image source: Food Standards Agency)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to prepare and serve safe food from a kiosk or stall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a kiosk or stall, your working space will be limited, so it\u2019s important to follow some simple food hygiene rules. Let\u2019s start with personal hygiene. Over the course of the festival you\u2019re almost certain to encounter revellers who haven\u2019t been near a shower or facecloth for days. However, personal hygiene is of utmost importance when you\u2019re preparing and serving food for public consumption. So:<\/p>\n\n\n\n