15 June 2000

SAFE -T AND THE H SQUAD HIT THE SCHOOLS

-: Food Standards Agency Launches Food Hygiene Teaching Pack

Michael Walker the Chairman of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Northern Ireland today launched a food hygiene teaching pack for 7-10 year olds.

The new teaching guide, 'The Adventures of Safe T and the H Squad', will enable children to learn the basic rules of food hygiene and why they are important.

Speaking at the Edenbrooke Primary School, Tennents St, Belfast, Mr. Walker said, "Learning about food hygiene is clearly an important life-skill, particularly as more children are now involved in food preparation at home. Children need to be taught about food hygiene not only because they are the next generation of consumers but also because of their immediate needs".

Emphasising the vulnerability of children to food poisoning the FSA Chairman said, "The numbers of notifications of food poisoning is increasing and children are a high risk group. It is important that they understand food hygiene and adopt hygienic practices as early as possible so that good habits are formed".

Mr. Walker continued, "This pack helps make working with food an exiting classroom activity. The use of Safe-T and other characters as well as the

strong storyline will help to interest the pupils and encourage children to want to join the H Squad in the battle to ensure that our food is safe".

Commenting on the public's confidence in food, Joan Whiteside, Chairman of the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland said, "I think we must recognise that public confidence in food is no longer what it was. It is appropriate that during Food Safety Week we renew our efforts to involve everyone, regardless of age, in the fight to have safer food and better food hygiene".

Addressing the subject of children's diet Mrs. Angela McComb of the Health Promotion Agency said, "Learning about food hygiene is vital for children if they are to reduce the risk of food poisoning. It is equally important that they are aware of the importance of a good diet, as what they eat now will affect their health in the future."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The packs have been distributed to all primary schools in Northern Ireland.
2. The pack includes a curriculum map, interactive lessons, posters and a board game.
3. St. Joseph's Primary School, Madden, Co Armagh is featured in the teaching pack.

For further information please contact;

Martin McDermott FSA 028 90 520568

Carol Edwards NIGCC 028 90 672488

Angela McComb H P A 028 90 311611