This is not a particularly festive thought I know but nonetheless, the figures prove it's true; Christmas is a dangerous time of year.
Data from the ONS (Office for National Statistics) spanning 2000 – 2010 shows the death rate rises significantly between 21st December and 19th January each year. On average, this period appears to produce an additional 2,481 deaths each year for the past decade or so.
This rise is not only to do with winter weather conditions but as people break from their normal routine the number of avoidable and accidental deaths rises significantly. Deaths due to accidental poisoning account for a 15% increase in women and 10% increase in men. And deaths where the underlying cause was alcohol increase by 13% (Britons drink 41% more in December than the annual monthly average).
Food and drink are unavoidable, especially at Christmas and Ebenezer Scrooge we are not, we are not suggesting that Christmas or indeed the office Christmas Party, should be cancelled but that it should be approached with some forethought and preparation.
Just two years ago our own office party resulted in most of the staff suffering from a severe bout of food poisoning (see our previous blog) but thankfully last year’s went smoothly (well as smoothly as office parties ever go). And we wanted to share some of the steps we took to ensure this was the case.
Regardless of whether you are having your party at that lovely new restaurant in town, down the local, or even getting the take-away to deliver to the office then check them out beforehand. Catriona Stewart, Head of the Food Hygiene Ratings Team at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), said: “The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a great tool when choosing where to eat out, particularly when celebrating a special meal, because it tells you what’s going in the kitchen and behind the scenes. For local eateries, a good rating will be good for business during the festive season.”
You check out an establishment’s food hygiene rating at - http://ratings.food.gov.uk/
If you are catering the party yourselves check that items brought will still be in date, can be stored correctly (ie is there enough space in the office fridge) and are safe (just last week the FSA had to recall Edna May brand Christmas puddings because of signs of mould growth!). And follow general food preparation guidelines; Wash your hands,
Wash worktops, Wash dishcloths and tea towels regularly, Use separate chopping boards for raw food and ready-to-eat food, Keep raw meat separate, Store meat on the bottom shelf, Cook food thoroughly and Keep your fridge below 5°C.
We Can Help
If you feel you have suffered from food poisoning, as a result of food purchased from a restaurant, bar or other commercial venue, or are unsure and would like to talk your situation through, then get in contact. Our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid claim. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
If You Have a Genuine Claim, Contact a Genuine Company
May I Claim, is a trading name of R Costings Limited and our CRM number is 25770
If you’ve had an accident that wasn’t your fault and suffered an injury - you can trust us to handle your claim professionally.
Call us now on 0800 756 7774 and talk to us to find out if you have a claim - or fill in our Quick Claim form (on the right of this page).
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/326935/All-I-Want-for-Christmas-is-Not-Food-Poisoning
 delicious 