Simple steps to avoid food poisoning this Christmas

Summer is a 'danger period' for food poisoning in Australia, but there are simple steps we can take to reduce the risk, say researchers at ANU. Hot weather promotes the growth of foodborne bacteria, so it's important to avoid leaving food out in the heat for extended periods, particularly meat. Dr Ben Polkinghorne says when that's combined with large family gatherings and cooking and eating outside, it makes Christmas a high-risk period. "Just under one-third of all foodborne outbreaks in Australia happen in summer," Dr Polkinghorne said. "Young children under five, pregnant women and people over 65 are particularly at risk." The most common symptoms of food poisoning are diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. "More severe complications are possible, but much less common," Dr Polkinghorne said. Luckily, there are some simple things we can do to avoid getting sick.