Irish at Risk of Foodborne Illnesses

Over 50% not aware that most food poisoning occurs within the home

Over 20% ignorant of dangers of not washing hands

Only 30.8% of people in Ireland aware that raw vegetables can cause food poisoning

Over 45% unaware of dangers of wiping hands and kitchen surfaces with kitchen towel

Over 70% unaware of the hazards of eating cold leftovers

The Dettol Hygiene Council survey conducted on behalf of the European Hygiene Council has revealed a lack of awareness when it comes to understanding the role of basic hygiene in preventing food poisoning. The to Dettol Hygiene Council survey, which was conducted among 8,714 people across 17 European countries, showed that we may be putting our health at risk due to a lack of understanding about how we could be infected by germs and measures for prevention.

Over 50% of those surveyed in Ireland were not aware that most food poisoning occurs within the home.

Shockingly, over 20% of people surveyed in Ireland were not aware that not washing your hands after going to the toilet could cause food poisoning when preparing a meal.

However, of all the countries surveyed, Ireland had the lowest proportion of people (1.2%) who believed foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, fruit, raw vegetables and pre-packaged foods did not cause food poisoning in the home.

The Irish were also most aware of the importance of disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (82.6%) and regularly washing your hands (80.4%) to help stop the spread of infection. Pets are also being banned from the home by 22.4% of those surveyed in a bid to keep their homes infection free.

Hygiene Council Member, Dr Aideen Long, Senior lecturer in Molecular Medicine, Trinity College, comments, "These results from the Dettol Habitat Survey clearly demonstrate a lack of awareness among the European and Irish public about how food poisoning is contracted. Simple hand washing with soap and water at key times and disinfecting surfaces regularly can go a long way to help protect you and your family from food poisoning.”

To help prevent the spread of infection at home the Hygiene Council recommendations: Hand washing with Dettol antibacterial soap (RRP €2.99):

Before

- Eating or feeding children

- Applying contact lenses

- Giving any medication or first aid

After

- Using the toilet or changing a baby's nappy

- Handling pets and domestic animals

- Contact with blood or body fluids

- Coughing, sneezing, or blowing and scratching the nose

- Contact with a potentially contaminated site

Before and after...

- Handling raw food

- Tending to someone who is sick

And whenever

- Hands appear dirty

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with Dettol Surface Cleanser (RRP €2.79) or Dettol anti-bacterial wipes (RRP €2.49):

Immediately

- When someone in the household is ill with vomiting

- If a surface is contaminated by vomit, faeces, blood or any bodily fluid

- Before and after preparing food

- Whenever they are dirty

Regularly

- When someone in the household is ill with colds and sneezes

- When a surface is frequently touched

And frequently

- If someone in the household is ill with diarrhoea.