Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has launched a new food safety campaign to encourage good food safety practices at home.

The new initiative will primarily focus on the 20 common ‘kitchen crimes’ that could potentially lead to food poisoning.

FSS noted that around 43,000 cases of foodborne illness are being reported in Scotland on an annual basis.

A recent survey carried out for FSS also indicated that people in Scotland only follow 11 out of 20 food safety practices on average.

The Scottish food authority has urged its people to follow good food safety practices at home and reduce the risk of contracting food poisoning from bacteria such as campylobacter that is commonly found on raw poultry and is the biggest cause of food poisoning in Scotland.

“Many people in Scotland are often still complacent about food safety in the home, developing bad habits and disregarding important things like ‘Use By’ dates and fridge temperature.”

Science at Food Standards Scotland Food Protection head Jacqui McElhiney said: “Our consumer research shows that too many people in Scotland are often still complacent about food safety in the home, developing bad habits and disregarding important things like ‘Use By’ dates and fridge temperature.

“When we overlook or are unaware of food safety advice we put ourselves and the people we are cooking for at risk of food poisoning.

“While those of us who are in good health might just be ill for a couple of days if we get food poisoning, it can be much more serious for the elderly or young children, and can in some cases lead to long-term health issues.

“No one wants to give themselves or their family food poisoning – check your own record on our website and take some small and simple steps to help reduce the risk.”