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Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The common BBQ mistake putting you at risk of TAPEWORMS – and 4 other ‘dangerous' slip ups to avoid
Read on to also find out how another common BBQ faux pas has been linked to Alzheimer's, cancer and even cardiovascular problems HOT TOPIC The common BBQ mistake putting you at risk of TAPEWORMS – and 4 other 'dangerous' slip ups to avoid Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH the sun shining and summer on our doorstep, it's time to fire up your BBQ (if you haven't already). But while a bit of al fresco dining is to be welcomed, the potential nasties lurking between the juicy burgers, sharing salads and cold beers, less so. 6 To avoid a nasty bout of illness keeping you close to the toilet - be aware of these common BBQ slip-ups Credit: Getty It turns out a spot of food poisoning could be the least of your worries. Chances are you've heard of salmonella, listeria and but did you know that food poisoning can be fatal? And what about the risk of tapeworms - yes, you read right! There are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness annually in the UK, according to the Food Standards Agency. Food poisoning, a type of foodborne disease caused by eating food containing toxins, causes 100,000 cases of illness each year. But infections spike in the summer - 'a potential consequence of unsafe BBQ food', the agency warns. To avoid a nasty bout of illness keeping you close to the toilet - or worse, a whole group of friends and relatives sick - be aware of these common BBQ slip-ups. MISTAKE #1: BEST OF CLUCK 6 Undercooked food can lead to nasty stomach bugs with symptoms such as diarrhoea and cramps Credit: Getty IT'S the classic BBQ faux pas - undercooked chicken. Even if you've got a garden full of hungry bellies, it's best to let it cook longer, to make sure it's properly cooked. Eating undercooked or raw chicken can lead to potentially deadly salmonella or campylobacter infections, which manifest as nasty stomach bugs with symptoms such as diarrhoea, cramps and vomiting, according to registered nutritional therapist, Lucia Stansbie. How to tell if you have food poisoning 'These can require medical attention and antibiotic prescriptions,' she tells Sun on Sunday Health. Sharing her tips to avoid disaster, Lucia points out that meat on the bone takes longer to cook and is harder to cook evenly - raising the risk of bacteria thriving. Opt for thin-cut slices of meat rather than massive chunks, and she also suggests a quick blast in the oven before finishing off on the grill. Check there's no pink meat, and look for clear juices when cutting into it to reduce your risk. 'A 'pro' way of checking if chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer, aiming for 75 degrees Celsius in the thickest part of the cut meat,' she adds. MISTAKE #2: HOT TOPIC WHILE it seems obvious, it's so easily done. How often have you enjoyed an afternoon grazing the fruits of your BBQ labours, picking at sausages, dips and salads to your heart's content? 6 Leaving food out in the sun speeds up the fermentation process and bacterial overgrowth Credit: Getty We're all guilty, but in warm weather, you must avoid leaving food out in the sun, Lucia warns. 'This can speed up fermentation and bacterial overgrowth,' she says. 'This is especially true for sauces made with raw egg, which can carry salmonella.' Salmonella can cause diarrhoea, tummy pain and even fever. Lucia adds: 'Soft cheeses such as brie can carry listeria, which can spread rapidly if the cheese has been left in the sun and heat.' Most listeriosis infections come from eating chilled, ready-to-eat foods, such as pâté, pre-cut packed fruit and cold, cooked sliced meats and cured meats. The NHS says ready-to-eat foods should be consumed within four hours of taking them out of the fridge. Listeria usually only causes mild symptoms such as a high temperature, diarrhoea and nausea. However, anyone with a weakened immune system could experience far worse symptoms. They - and pregnant women - are told to avoid listeria-risk foods. THE FIVE RULES TO ALWAYS STAY SAFE THE Food Standards Agency's top five easy tips for staying safe when cooking on the barbie 1. COME CLEAN Wash your hands thoroughly before cooking and eating. Wash your utensils and serving dishes in between use, taking special care not to mix up dishes used for holding raw food with dishes for cooked food. 2. KEEP YOUR COOL Defrost your food in the fridge, NOT at room temperature, and ensure it is fully defrosted before cooking. When storing cooked food, cool it at room temperature before putting it in the fridge, but make sure you get it in the fridge within 2 hours. 3. FEEL THE HEAT Cook food at the right temperature and for the correct length of time to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed. Turn meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly. 4. MARINADE MINDFULLY When applying a marinade to meat, be careful. Don't baste partially and cooked meat with a marinade that has been used on raw meat, as this can lead to cross-contamination. If you would like to apply the marinade again as a baste – boil it in a pan, and it will be safe to use. 5. CHECK IT'S DONE Always check that meat juices run clear and that no pink meat is visible when cutting through the thickest part. Remember, charred on the outside doesn't always mean cooked on the inside! MISTAKE #3: RARE THREAT A JUICY rare steak might be your go-to, but it's wise to be wary during BBQ season. Milena Mastroianni, a registered nutritional therapist, tells Sun on Sunday Health: 'There is always a low risk of raw food being contaminated with tapeworm larvae, especially beef as well as fish such as salmon and trout. 'If this gets into your body, it can cause problems such as diarrhoea and other gut-related issues, weight loss, hunger pains and even cravings for salty food.' 6 There's always a risk raw foods could be contaminated with tapeworm larvae Credit: Getty Lucia says that medium-rare steak is less problematic, as long as the outside is well seared, 'as most bacteria live on the meat surface'. But if you are cooking minced meat products, like burgers, you must cook them all the way through. 'The surface bacteria like or listeria can get mixed all the way through when mincing the meat,' says Lucia. 'People with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children and the elderly should pay attention and avoid medium-rare beef steak and always go for fully cooked meat.' MISTAKE #4: TAKE A LEAF 6 You must always wash your salad leaves - there's always a risk of contamination from listeria Credit: iStock - Getty IF you don't want guests heading home with a bout of food poisoning in their party bag, always make sure to wash your salad leaves. Melina says: 'Bagged salads can pose the risk of contamination from listeria, but also salmonella and due to the moist environment and the pre-cut leaves.' A study by the University of Leicester found that just a small amount of damaged leaves in a bagged salad can 'stimulate the presence of the food poisoning bug, salmonella'. 'It's always a good idea to wash salad leaves using a salad spinner, even if the bag says 'pre-washed',' says Melina. 'Discard leaves that are slimy or wilting and store the salad at the back of the fridge as it is the coldest part and will keep it fresher for longer.' MISTAKE #5: BURN BBQ, BURN BURNT food is part and parcel of a BBQ - who doesn't love a crispy sausage or charred bit of veg? But Milena warns: 'In general, cooking meat on a high temperature can increase the amount of antioxidants and harmful AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts) that are present in food.' 6 Overly charred foods increase the amount of AGEs which has been linked to Alzheimer's and cancer Credit: Getty - Contributor A review of the evidence published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine has linked high levels of AGEs to a number of health issues from Alzheimer's disease to cancer and even cardiovascular problems. A couple of sausages isn't going to do you any harm, but regularly eating burned or charred food might put your body through too much oxidative stress. This is when the balance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body tips, leading to potential damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. Milena recommends pairing BBQ meat with plenty of antioxidant-rich fresh foods such as vegetables and colourful, well-washed, salads. 'Marinating meat is always a good idea, as it reduces the formation of harmful AGEs when grilling, while tenderising and adding flavour and moisture to any meat,' she adds.
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
The common BBQ mistake putting you at risk of TAPEWORMS – and 4 other ‘dangerous' slip ups to avoid
WITH the sun shining and summer on our doorstep, it's time to fire up your BBQ (if you haven't already). But while a bit of al fresco dining is to be welcomed, the potential nasties lurking between the juicy burgers, sharing salads and cold beers, less so. 6 It turns out a spot of food poisoning could be the least of your worries. Chances are you've heard of salmonella, listeria and but did you know that food poisoning can be fatal? And what about the risk of tapeworms - yes, you read right! There are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness annually in the UK, according to the Food Standards Agency. Food poisoning, a type of foodborne disease caused by eating food containing toxins, causes 100,000 cases of illness each year. But infections spike in the summer - 'a potential consequence of unsafe BBQ food', the agency warns. To avoid a nasty bout of illness keeping you close to the toilet - or worse, a whole group of friends and relatives sick - be aware of these common BBQ slip-ups. MISTAKE #1: BEST OF CLUC K IT'S the classic BBQ faux pas - undercooked chicken. Even if you've got a garden full of hungry bellies, it's best to let it cook longer, to make sure it's properly cooked. Eating undercooked or raw chicken can lead to potentially deadly salmonella or campylobacter infections, which manifest as nasty stomach bugs with symptoms such as diarrhoea, cramps and vomiting, according to registered nutritional therapist, Lucia Stansbie. How to tell if you have food poisoning 'These can require medical attention and antibiotic prescriptions,' she tells Sun on Sunday Health. Sharing her tips to avoid disaster, Lucia points out that meat on the bone takes longer to cook and is harder to cook evenly - raising the risk of bacteria thriving. Opt for thin-cut slices of meat rather than massive chunks, and she also suggests a quick blast in the oven before finishing off on the grill. Check there's no pink meat, and look for clear juices when cutting into it to reduce your risk. 'A 'pro' way of checking if chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer, aiming for 75 degrees Celsius in the thickest part of the cut meat,' she adds. MISTAKE #2: HOT TOPIC WHILE it seems obvious, it's so easily done. How often have you enjoyed an afternoon grazing the fruits of your BBQ labours, picking at sausages, dips and salads to your heart's content? 6 We're all guilty, but in warm weather, you must avoid leaving food out in the sun, Lucia warns. 'This can speed up fermentation and bacterial overgrowth,' she says. 'This is especially true for sauces made with raw egg, which can carry salmonella.' Salmonella can cause diarrhoea, tummy pain and even fever. Lucia adds: 'Soft cheeses such as brie can carry listeria, which can spread rapidly if the cheese has been left in the sun and heat.' Most listeriosis infections come from eating chilled, ready-to-eat foods, such as pâté, pre-cut packed fruit and cold, cooked sliced meats and cured meats. The NHS says ready-to-eat foods should be consumed within four hours of taking them out of the fridge. Listeria usually only causes mild symptoms such as a high temperature, diarrhoea and nausea. However, anyone with a weakened immune system could experience far worse symptoms. They - and pregnant women - are told to avoid listeria-risk foods. THE FIVE RULES TO ALWAYS STAY SAFE THE Food Standards Agency's top five easy tips for staying safe when cooking on the barbie 1. COME CLEAN Wash your hands thoroughly before cooking and eating. Wash your utensils and serving dishes in between use, taking special care not to mix up dishes used for holding raw food with dishes for cooked food. 2. KEEP YOUR COOL Defrost your food in the fridge, NOT at room temperature, and ensure it is fully defrosted before cooking. When storing cooked food, cool it at room temperature before putting it in the fridge, but make sure you get it in the fridge within 2 hours. 3. FEEL THE HEAT Cook food at the right temperature and for the correct length of time to ensure that any harmful bacteria are killed. Turn meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly. 4. MARINADE MINDFULLY When applying a marinade to meat, be careful. Don't baste partially and cooked meat with a marinade that has been used on raw meat, as this can lead to cross-contamination. If you would like to apply the marinade again as a baste – boil it in a pan, and it will be safe to use. 5. CHECK IT'S DONE Always check that meat juices run clear and that no pink meat is visible when cutting through the thickest part. Remember, charred on the outside doesn't always mean cooked on the inside! A JUICY rare steak might be your go-to, but it's wise to be wary during BBQ season. Milena Mastroianni, a registered nutritional therapist, tells Sun on Sunday Health: 'There is always a low risk of raw food being contaminated with tapeworm larvae, especially beef as well as fish such as salmon and trout. 'If this gets into your body, it can cause problems such as diarrhoea and other gut-related issues, weight loss, hunger pains and even cravings for salty food.' Lucia says that medium-rare steak is less problematic, as long as the outside is well seared, 'as most bacteria live on the meat surface'. But if you are cooking minced meat products, like burgers, you must cook them all the way through. 'The surface bacteria like or listeria can get mixed all the way through when mincing the meat,' says Lucia. 'People with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children and the elderly should pay attention and avoid medium-rare beef steak and always go for fully cooked meat.' MISTAKE #4: TAKE A LEAF 6 IF you don't want guests heading home with a bout of food poisoning in their party bag, always make sure to wash your salad leaves. Melina says: 'Bagged salads can pose the risk of contamination from listeria, but also salmonella and due to the moist environment and the pre-cut leaves.' A study by the University of Leicester found that just a small amount of damaged leaves in a bagged salad can 'stimulate the presence of the food poisoning bug, salmonella'. 'It's always a good idea to wash salad leaves using a salad spinner, even if the bag says 'pre-washed',' says Melina. 'Discard leaves that are slimy or wilting and store the salad at the back of the fridge as it is the coldest part and will keep it fresher for longer.' MISTAKE #5: BURN BBQ, BURN BURNT food is part and parcel of a BBQ - who doesn't love a crispy sausage or charred bit of veg? But Milena warns: 'In general, cooking meat on a high temperature can increase the amount of antioxidants and harmful AGEs (advanced glycation endproducts) that are present in food.' 6 A review of the evidence published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine has linked high levels of AGEs to a number of health issues from Alzheimer's disease to cancer and even cardiovascular problems. A couple of sausages isn't going to do you any harm, but regularly eating burned or charred food might put your body through too much oxidative stress. This is when the balance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body tips, leading to potential damage to cells, proteins, and DNA. Milena recommends pairing BBQ meat with plenty of antioxidant-rich fresh foods such as vegetables and colourful, well-washed, salads. 'Marinating meat is always a good idea, as it reduces the formation of harmful AGEs when grilling, while tenderising and adding flavour and moisture to any meat,' she adds.
Metro
2 days ago
- Health
- Metro
Lidl urgently pulls popular protein snack from shelves over 'health risks'
Lidl has pulled a popular protein bar from shelves over allergy concerns. The supermarket has recalled their Cookies & Cream Protein Bars, made by Healthy Fit, across Northern Ireland. An alert issued by the Food Standards Agency states they contain milk and soya which are not mentioned in English on the label. It adds: 'This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or an allergy to soya.' Healthy Fit is recalling the 60g Cookies & Cream Protein Bars with the batch code 002851 and a best before date of January 2026. Signs will also be displayed in Lidl stores advising customers of the recall and what to do if they have bought them. The FSA says: 'If you have bought the above product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or an allergy to soya, do not eat it. 'Instead return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund (with or without a receipt).' Recalls also affected other supermarkets in recent weeks. Iceland issued a 'do not eat' warning for a popular lunchtime snack over fears it can cause itching, hives and diarrhoea. The frozen food supermarket recalled its Daily Bakery 4 Sub Rolls. The online exclusive contains barley, which is not mentioned on the label. More Trending The cereal grain poses a 'significant risk' to people with an allergy or intolerance. A farm shop milk was recalled last week for possibly containing E. coli, a bacterium that typically resides in cow intestines. Lidl recently asked shoppers to avoid eating a fruit and nut bar as it may contain pieces of plastic. Earlier this month, a ready-made beef lasagne was removed for being made with prawn and lobster meat. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Urgent recall of 256,000 pounds of canned beef stew over fears they contain wood pieces MORE: Haribo recalls cola bottle sweets over fears they may be laced with cannabis MORE: US recalls tomatoes so dangerous 'there's a reasonable chance of death'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Lidl urgently recalls popular protein snack from shelves due to ‘health risks' as shoppers urged to ‘return them'
LIDL has urgently pulled a popular protein snack from shelves over health fears, urging shoppers to return it immediately. The Cookies & Cream Protein Bars, made by Healthy Fit, are being recalled from Lidl stores in Northern Ireland because they contain milk and soya, which are not declared in English on the label. 2 2 This poses a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, and/or an allergy to soya. The Food Standards Agency issued an allergy alert warning: 'This product contains milk and soya making it a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents and/or an allergy to soya.' Healthy Fit is recalling the product and has been advised to contact relevant allergy support organisations. Lidl will display point of sale notices in affected stores to explain why the bars are being removed and what customers should do if they have purchased them. The recall affects the 60g Cookies & Cream Protein Bars with the batch code 002851 and a best before date of January 2026. Customers who have bought the bars and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or soya are advised not to eat them. Instead, they should return the product to the store where it was bought for a full refund, with or without a receipt. Your product recall rights Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know. Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods. As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action. But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk. If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer's website to see if a safety notice has been issued. When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you - the customer - to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault. If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer. They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice. In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected. You should not be charged for any recall work - such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Zizzi recalls vegan pizza amid do not eat allergy warning
The company is recalling its Zizzi Vegan Jackfruit Pepperoni Rustica Pizza because it might contain milk that isn't listed on the label. This lack of information has the potential to pose a risk to anyone who is allergic or intolerant to milk or milk constituents. Zizzi's pizza in question is the Zizzi Vegan Jackfruit Pepperoni Rustica Pizza which is a 400g pizza + 8ml chilli oil with the batch code 5105 and best before date July 15, 2026. Wednesday 28 May - Zizzi recalls Zizzi Vegan Jackfruit Pepperoni Rustica Pizza because of undeclared milk #FoodAllergy — Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) May 28, 2025 Zizzi pizza recalled amid milk allergy warning The Food Standards Agency (FSA) explained the action being taken by Zizzi: 'Zizzi is recalling the above product from customers and has been advised to contact the relevant allergy support organisations, which will tell their members about the recall. 'The company has also issued a point-of-sale notice to its customers. 'These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.' A customer notice from Zizzi said: 'We are recalling Zizzi Vegan Jackfruit Pepperoni Rustica Pizzas due to potential contamination with milk.' What to do if you have bought the recalled Zizza pizza If you have bought the above recalled product, do not eat it if you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to milk. Instead, you can return it to the store and you'll receive a full refund. A receipt is not needed to get your refund. If you need more information, you can email care@ Recommended reading: What is a product recall? If there is a problem with a food product that means it should not be sold, then it might be 'withdrawn' (taken off the shelves) or 'recalled' (when customers are asked to return the product). The FSA issues Product Withdrawal Information Notices and Product Recall Information Notices to let consumers and local authorities know about problems associated with food. In some cases, a 'Food Alert for Action' is issued. This provides local authorities with details of specific actions to be taken on behalf of consumers.
