If you're planning to cater for a Street Party, please take time to read through these "Do's and Don'ts". As the person preparing or providing the food, it's your responsibility to make sure you don't make anyone ill.
Food poisoning is a miserable and potentially dangerous experience.
DO:
1. Make sure you have enough refrigerator space to store foods before and after cooking. Use neighbours' 'fridges if possible.
2. Store cooked foods above raw foods in the 'fridge to prevent "drip" and keep food in covered containers.
3. Clean work surfaces with hot water and detergent in between the preparation of raw and cooked foods.
4. Defrost frozen meat and chicken thoroughly before cooking.
5. Keep hot food "hot" and cold food "cold".
6. Pre-cook meats on the same day as they are to be eaten. This also applies to barbecues – the meat will cook quicker on the barbecue and you'll be able to serve more people at once.
7. Make sure the middle of the food, especially meat, burgers and sausages, is thoroughly cooked. Avoid the "burnt on the outside, raw in the middle" method of barbecuing.
8. Use cool boxes to store food outside and replace defrosted ice packs throughout the event.
9. Wash your hands before handling food and after using the toilet.
10.Throw away any food that has been stored at room temperature or which has been
outside for more than 4 hours. Any food kept in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours must be thrown away.
DON'T:
1. Leave food in the kitchen or outside for too long before it's eaten. Remember, in the summer warm temperatures will help food poisoning bacteria grow quickly.
2. Leave food uncovered – flies and insects are dirty and not very tasty.
3. Store beer, wine and drinks in the 'fridge, use an ice bucket or cool box. Keep the 'fridge free for storing food needed for the party.
4. Use raw eggs for making mousses, meringues, and mayonnaise. Use pasteurised egg or shop-bought mayonnaise and meringues.
5. Wipe hands on a tea towel; use a separate kitchen towel or disposable paper towels.
HEALTH & SAFETY FOR STREET PARTIES
If you're planning a Street Party, please take time to read through these "Do's and "Don'ts". As the person organising the event, you need to consider safety issues to prevent injury or accidents to those attending.
DO:
1. Make someone responsible for lifting any road closure barriers to allow vehicular access to properties unaffected by the party, or for the emergency services.
2. Always ensure there is clear access for the emergency services i.e. police, fire and ambulance.
3. Order beer in plastic barrels and use plastic glasses, plastic bottles and cans to prevent breakages (and washing up!).
4. Make sure any electrical equipment is properly earthed and connected to an RCD or circuit breaker.
5. Make sure any temporary structures such as marquees and canopies are securely and safely fixed down. Any guy ropes should be visibly marked to reduce trips.
6. Ensure a basic first aid box is available to deal with minor cuts and grazes.
7. Keep young children away from any barbecue or hot cooking equipment.
8. Remember the neighbours and other residents. If music is getting loud turn it down to prevent causing a nuisance to others.
9. Walk round the area to check for any hazards or dangers from the party, which may cause accident or injury.
DON'T:
1. Take glasses or glass bottles into the street to prevent broken glass causing injury.
2. Leave doors and windows of your house unlocked whilst you're out in the street. Burglars may still be on the lookout for an open invitation.
For further information on Food Safety or Health and Safety please call 023 9254 5505, 5506 or 5507 during office hours or visit our offices at the Town Hall, High Street Gosport, PO12 1EB.
Alternatuively, e-mail ehs@gosport.gov.uk any time
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