The National Health Service has issued an urgent public health warning on Christmas Eve, urging families across the UK to take extra care with food preparation to avoid a festive season ruined by illness.
Festive Feasts and Hidden Dangers
In a stark message shared on social media platform X, the health service cautioned: "Don’t give your loved ones the unwanted gift of food poisoning this Christmas." The timely alert comes as millions of Britons finalise preparations for Christmas Day celebrations, which often involve cooking for large groups and handling substantial quantities of food.
While the NHS notes that most cases of food poisoning are not serious and typically resolve within a week, allowing for home treatment, the illness can cause significant discomfort during what should be a joyful time. Symptoms to watch for include feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, a high temperature, and a general sense of being unwell.
Understanding Symptoms and Causes
Crucially, symptoms may not appear immediately. They can start within a few hours or take several days to manifest after consuming contaminated food. In some instances, symptoms might not begin for a few weeks, making it harder to pinpoint the exact source.
Common causes highlighted by the NHS include:
- Insufficient cooking or reheating of food.
- Incorrect storage, such as failing to freeze or chill items properly.
- Leaving food out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Consuming food past its 'use by' date.
- Cross-contamination from someone who is ill or has not washed their hands.
The health body advises anyone who suspects they have food poisoning to stay at home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids, taking small sips if feeling nauseous. It is recommended to eat when able, opting for plain foods and avoiding fatty or spicy options. Paracetamol can help with discomfort, but always check the leaflet for children.
Essential Food Safety Advice from the FSA
Supporting the NHS warning, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has reiterated its core guidance for festive food safety, emphasising the 'four Cs': Cleaning, Cooking, Chilling, and avoiding Cross-contamination.
Adam Hardgrave, Head of Foodborne Disease Control at the FSA, stressed: "In the flurry of preparing the Christmas meal, it’s important to plan ahead and allow plenty of time. Remember that an average-sized turkey can take 4 days to fully thaw in the fridge."
Key FSA recommendations for a safe Christmas dinner include:
- Using separate bags for raw and ready-to-eat foods when shopping to prevent cross-contamination.
- Never washing raw turkey, as this spreads germs via splashing.
- Ensuring the turkey is cooked thoroughly: the meat must be steaming hot throughout, with no pink meat visible and juices running clear.
- Turkey leftovers can be used to make a new meal, like a curry, which can then be frozen. However, only reheat it once.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most cases can be managed at home, the NHS outlines specific red flags that require professional medical attention. You should call NHS 111 if:
- A baby under 12 months is unwell or stops feeding.
- A child under five shows signs of dehydration (e.g., fewer wet nappies).
- Diarrhoea lasts more than seven days or vomiting continues beyond two days.
- There is bloody diarrhoea or bleeding from the bottom.
- You cannot keep fluids down.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else vomits blood, has a stiff neck with pain looking at bright lights, has sudden severe headache or stomach ache, has difficulty breathing, or has blue, grey, pale, or blotchy skin (on brown or black skin, this may be more visible on palms or soles).
By following this expert advice, families can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning and ensure their Christmas celebrations remain healthy and happy.
