Food and Veterinary Agency warns heatwave raises food‑poisoning risk

The Food and Veterinary Agency has warned that the current heatwave, with temperatures in some areas expected to reach around 40 degrees, increases the risk of food spoilage and cases of food poisoning.

Practical advice for consumers

The agency urges people to be careful when choosing where they buy food, how they transport it and at what temperature they store it. Perishable items such as meat, milk and eggs should be bought from trusted vendors and kept under appropriate cooling conditions.

Specific recommendations include keeping chilled products at temperatures below 5 degrees, avoiding items with damaged packaging, not leaving food for long periods in cars, and washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly. Foods that are prepared by cooking should be cooked thoroughly.

When eating at catering establishments, customers are advised to choose places that maintain high hygiene standards. Special attention is recommended for products such as mayonnaise, sauces and cream salads, which should not be left outside a refrigerator.

The agency also notes that the heatwave poses risks to animals. Livestock owners should provide enough fresh water, shade and ventilated spaces, and must not leave animals in closed cars or walk them during the hottest part of the day. On farms, protection from direct sun is recommended and animals should be transported in the cooler morning or evening hours.

Authorities urge the public to follow these precautions during the period of high temperatures to reduce the chances of foodborne illness and protect both people and animals.

Photo: press material from the event