Islington Council Food Safety Officers have been teaching children about the importance of good hygiene habits – such as hand washing – as part of the borough’s Junior Citizen event (6–17 June) at Ivy Hall. <br><br>During Food Safety Week (13–19 June), council officers have been showing children how to wash their hands properly with the aid of a UV light box and glitter gel to mimic the presence of bacteria. <br><br>Local children have been asked to wash their hands using different combinations of water, water and soap, and water, soap and hand towels. Kids were amazed that water and a quick shake, and even water and soap, remove very few bacteria – time is the key factor. <br><br>Councillor George Allan, Executive Member for Customer Focus, said that children could play an important role in promoting food safety: “The highest incidence of food poisoning is in the home, so we hope children will act on the advice and pass on the message about careful hand washing to their parents. <br><br>Effective hand washing can make reduce bacteria levels and improve food hygiene. It’s not just water, soap and hand-drying that are important; it is crucial to allow enough time to really wash hands properly.” <br><br>All of Islington Council’s Food Safety Officers have been involved in delivering the training, to around 30 children per session. Around 600 year 6 children from Islington schools are expected to attend the Junior Citizen event over the two weeks.<br><br>ENDS<br><br><br>Notes to the Editor:<br><br>Photo opportunities<br>Can be arranged during the week of 13-17 June. <br><br>About the Junior Citizen events<br>The Junior Citizen programme is a national annual event held from 6–17 June (www.met.police.uk/juniorcitizen). Junior Citizen uses scenario training to teach children about all aspects of safety. The Islington event has been organised by the local police, fire brigade, Thames Water, the council and local school nurses.<br><br>How does the event work? <br>The children are divided into groups of four and take turns in participating in various scenarios on issues such as intruders, escaping from a fire, first aid, internet safety, bus safety and water safety. <br><br>About Food Safety Week<br>For information on national Food Safety Week, visit www.foodlink.org.uk
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009