National Food Safety week highlights importance of food safety

National Food Safety Week is back, running from 9 to 16 November, and it’s a timely reminder of the importance of food safety practices, especially as foodborne illnesses affect millions of Australians each year.  

This year’s theme, "Look before you cook – read the food labels," encourages everyone to pay attention to food handling practices, whether at home, work, or any place we prepare or consume food. 

In the Kempsey Shire, food safety is particularly significant. Foodborne illnesses can lead to serious health complications, but many of these risks are preventable with mindful practices, like reading food labels and storing food correctly. By staying vigilant, we can help protect our loved ones from avoidable illnesses. 

Jack Dickey, Kempsey Shire Council’s Environmental Health Manager, underscores the value of following label instructions to keep food safe.  

“Food safety starts with the basics,” he advises. “Check use-by dates, store items properly, and use a meat thermometer to make sure food reaches safe cooking temperatures. Simple steps like these can make all the difference in preventing foodborne illnesses.” 

But safe food handling practices aren’t just limited to our homes. Throughout the Shire, dedicated teams work hard to ensure that food served in our restaurants, cafes, and local food outlets is prepared with safety in mind.  

The Environmental Health team provides essential support to local businesses, helping them adhere to food handling guidelines through regular inspections and expert advice.  

This commitment to quality control means residents and visitors can dine with confidence across our community. 

For a safer kitchen, try these tips: 

1. Check use-by dates and consume food before it expires.
2. Use best-before dates as a guideline—foods may still be safe after this date but could lose quality.
3. Inspect cans for damage or rust, as these can be signs of contamination.
4. Organise your fridge and pantry so that older items are used first.
5. Follow storage instructions carefully to ensure your food remains safe as long as possible.
6. Follow cooking instructions on packaging, especially for methods like microwaving or air frying.
7. Monitor temperature of fridges and freezers to ensure effective temperature control for all potentially hazardous food stored within them.
8. Use a meat thermometer to verify that food has reached a safe cooking temperature, preventing undercooking.
9. Take food allergies seriously and if allergies are declared, take all steps to ensure only safe food is supplied & consumed. Avoid cross contamination and use designated cooking utensils.  

This Food Safety Week, we invite everyone to join us in creating safer kitchens by following these practices.  

You can also test your knowledge with a food safety quiz on the Food Safety Information Council website to make sure your next meal is both safe and enjoyable.