Don't forget to eat safely this bonfire night

If you're having a party, make sure you're a good host and don't send anyone home with food poisoning.

Keep these simple points in mind to ensure your party goes with a bang.

• Good parties require planning ahead. When making food for large numbers of people it is important to keep food safe.
• Use foods within the use by date. Throw away food that is out of date.
• You must always keep raw and cooked foods apart and use separate utensils.
• Frozen food - make sure it is properly defrosted before you start cooking.
• Always cook food thoroughly, follow the instructions.  Make sure you cook burgers and sausages until the juices run clear and there are no pink bits left.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food and always after handling raw meat, going to the toilet, blowing your nose or touching pets.
• Keep foods such as dips out of the fridge for the shortest time possible.
• Eat food straight away after cooking.  Buffet food can be served for a maximum of four hours.

See the Food Standards Agency website for further advice.  http://eatwell.gov.uk.

For further advice contact the Council's Food, Health and Safety team on 01709 823161.