With warm weather settling in and festive gatherings just around the corner, the Town of Mosman Park is reminding our community to take a little extra care in the kitchen this summer. Hot days create ideal conditions for bacteria to grow, which can increase the chance of foodborne illness if food is not prepared and stored safely.

WA Health has reminded residents that harmful bacteria can thrive in summer conditions and that food does not always look, smell or taste spoiled when it is unsafe to eat. Relying on appearance alone is not a reliable way to judge food safety.

To help everyone enjoy a safe and healthy summer, we encourage our community to follow a few simple steps:

• Cook food thoroughly. Foods such as chicken, eggs and mince need to be cooked all the way through. If you are barbecuing chicken, make sure the juices run clear. If you are using a thermometer, the thickest part of the meat should reach at least 75°C.
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate. This helps prevent cross contamination. Use different utensils and chopping boards for raw meat, and avoid washing raw chicken as this can spread bacteria around your kitchen.
• Clean hands and surfaces often. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw meat, and clean utensils and benchtops with hot, soapy water.
• Chill food promptly. Keep perishable items refrigerated below 5°C and discard any food that has been left out for more than four hours.

If you become unwell after eating food, please seek medical advice. If you suspect your illness may be linked to food from a takeaway or restaurant within the previous 48 hours, our environmental health team is available to assist. We encourage residents to get in touch so we can follow up and help keep our community safe.

It is also It is also important to remember that certain bacteria can spread through contact with pets such as dogs and cats . Avoid feeding raw chicken to pets to minimise this risk.

By taking a few simple precautions, we can all enjoy a safe, healthy summer in Mosman Park. For more information and practical tips, visit Healthy WA.