Latest news with #MarkMcShane
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Cleaning expert reveals the filthy item in your home you should wash every day – it picks up deadly germs
'It's one of the most-used items in the kitchen – and also one of the most dangerous.' HIGH AND DRY Cleaning expert reveals the filthy item in your home you should wash every day – it picks up deadly germs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THERE are areas of the home we never forget to clean when it comes to doing the household chores. Scrubbing the toilet and doing the laundry become second nature. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 They can be deadly 2 The towels need cleaned daily But cleaning gurus say there are items in the home that get overlooked - and they could be spreading deadly germs. Mark McShane, food hygiene expert at Food Hygiene Certificate is warning UK households that the humble tea towel may be spreading harmful bacteria. This could include E. coli and Salmonella, particularly during the summer when BBQs and outdoor cooking are on the rise. Mark says: "Cross-contamination is one of the most common causes of food poisoning at home. "And one of the easiest ways it happens is via tea towels. "People dry their hands after touching raw meat, then use the same towel to dry plates, cutlery, or even children's cups." The expert says that studies by food safety bodies have found that nearly nine in 10 UK homes reuse the same tea towel multiple times a day. Meanwhile, between 30 and 50 per cent of tested kitchen towels contained E. coli or other faecal bacteria. Bacteria can survive on damp towels for up to 48 hours, especially in warm kitchens. Mark shared the most common hygiene mistakes people make with tea towels. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) HIGH AND DRY The expert says people are often guilty of drying their hands after touching raw meat, then drying dishes. Make sure you always wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat. ALL FOR ONE Mark says many folk fall into the trap of using one towel for everything. They use the same towel or cloth on their hands, worktops, dishes and spills. It's much safer to keep cloths for these jobs separate and label them if needed. ROLL UP Many people are guilty of leaving damp towels bunched up. This is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. After using a cloth hang it up so it dries properly. DAY TO DAY In many households, people use the same dishtowels for days on end. The towels should be being replaced daily, if not more often, especially during hot weather or heavy cooking days. Wash them at 60°C minimum to kill off bacteria. Mark added: "Food poisoning doesn't always come from undercooked food – sometimes it comes from clean-looking cutlery dried with the wrong towel. "A simple switch in habits can prevent weeks of illness."
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Cleaning expert reveals the filthy item in your home you should wash every day – it picks up deadly germs
THERE are areas of the home we never forget to clean when it comes to doing the household chores. Scrubbing the toilet and doing the laundry become second nature . 2 They can be deadly 2 The towels need cleaned daily But cleaning gurus say there are items in the home that get overlooked - and they could be spreading deadly germs. Mark McShane, food hygiene expert at This could include E. coli and Salmonella, particularly during the summer when BBQs and outdoor cooking are on the rise. Mark says: "Cross-contamination is one of the most common causes of food poisoning at home. READ MORE IN FABULOUS "And one of the easiest ways it happens is via tea towels. "People dry their hands after touching raw meat, then use the same towel to dry plates, cutlery, or even children's cups." The expert says that studies by food safety bodies have found that nearly nine in 10 UK homes reuse the same tea towel multiple times a day. Meanwhile, between 30 and 50 per cent of tested kitchen towels contained E. coli or other faecal bacteria. Most read in Fabulous Bacteria can survive on damp towels for up to 48 hours, especially in warm kitchens. Mark shared the most common hygiene mistakes people make with tea towels. I tried Zoflora's new carpet cleaner - it works in just 30 seconds and leaves your home smelling super fresh (1) HIGH AND DRY The expert says people are often guilty of drying their hands after touching raw meat, then drying dishes. Make sure you always wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat. ALL FOR ONE Mark says many folk fall into the trap of using one towel for everything. They use the same towel or cloth on their hands, worktops, dishes and spills. It's much safer to keep cloths for these jobs separate and label them if needed. ROLL UP Many people are guilty of leaving damp towels bunched up. This is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. After using a cloth hang it up so it dries properly. DAY TO DAY In many households, people use the same dishtowels for days on end. The towels should be being replaced daily, if not more often, especially during hot weather or heavy cooking days. Wash them at 60°C minimum to kill off bacteria. Mark added: "Food poisoning doesn't always come from undercooked food – sometimes it comes from clean-looking cutlery dried with the wrong towel. "A simple switch in habits can prevent weeks of illness."
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Cleaning expert reveals the filthy item in your home you should wash every day – it picks up deadly germs
THERE are areas of the home we never forget to clean when it comes to doing the household chores. Scrubbing the toilet and doing the laundry become second nature. 2 2 But cleaning gurus say there are items in the home that get overlooked - and they could be spreading deadly germs. Mark McShane, food hygiene expert at Food Hygiene Certificate is warning UK households that the humble tea towel may be spreading harmful bacteria. This could include E. coli and Salmonella, particularly during the summer when BBQs and outdoor cooking are on the rise. Mark says: "Cross-contamination is one of the most common causes of food poisoning at home. "And one of the easiest ways it happens is via tea towels. "People dry their hands after touching raw meat, then use the same towel to dry plates, cutlery, or even children's cups." The expert says that studies by food safety bodies have found that nearly nine in 10 UK homes reuse the same tea towel multiple times a day. Meanwhile, between 30 and 50 per cent of tested kitchen towels contained E. coli or other faecal bacteria. Bacteria can survive on damp towels for up to 48 hours, especially in warm kitchens. Mark shared the most common hygiene mistakes people make with tea towels. HIGH AND DRY The expert says people are often guilty of drying their hands after touching raw meat, then drying dishes. Make sure you always wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat. ALL FOR ONE Mark says many folk fall into the trap of using one towel for everything. They use the same towel or cloth on their hands, worktops, dishes and spills. It's much safer to keep cloths for these jobs separate and label them if needed. ROLL UP Many people are guilty of leaving damp towels bunched up. This is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. After using a cloth hang it up so it dries properly. DAY TO DAY In many households, people use the same dishtowels for days on end. The towels should be being replaced daily, if not more often, especially during hot weather or heavy cooking days. Wash them at 60°C minimum to kill off bacteria. Mark added: "Food poisoning doesn't always come from undercooked food – sometimes it comes from clean-looking cutlery dried with the wrong towel. "A simple switch in habits can prevent weeks of illness."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I'm a food pro – 4 common BBQ mistakes can give you food poisoning in hot weather & you need to be careful with coleslaw
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE hot weather means more and more Brits are opting to grill their dinner outdoors. However, be careful not to make these common mistakes that can result in food poisoning. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Food experts have warned against making a common mistake when cooking outdoors this summer (stock image) Credit: Alamy Whether you're enjoying quiet summer barbecue or grilling up a storm for all your friends and family, be careful when preparing your al fresco meal. When it comes to outdoor cooking in these hot conditions, you need to take extra precautions. Certain foods can quickly become dangerous when exposed to the high temperatures and sunlight for too long. "Most people don't realise how quickly warm weather turns food dangerous," Mark McShane, food hygiene expert at Food Hygiene Certificate, told the Express. Read More On BBQs BEAT THE HEAT Hot weather mistakes that could land you with a £5,000 fine Chicken, sausages, and burgers "In 30 degree Celsius plus heat, chicken left out for just 30 minutes can begin developing unsafe levels of bacteria – and no, cooking it won't always kill everything," he explained. He went on to say that taking chicken and burgers out of the fridge and leaving them by the barbecue for over too long before cooking places the meat in a "danger zone". According to the expert, the maximum amount of time meat should stay out of the fridge when the weather is between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius is an hour. And when temperatures spike over 30 degrees Celsius, the maximum time is cut in half to just 30 minutes. "We see a spike in food poisoning every time there's a UK heatwave – and it's nearly always avoidable," he explained. "You can't 'see' or 'smell' these bacteria, but they'll ruin your weekend. The 2C method which stops flies plaguing your home and ruining your BBQ "Cook safely, chill properly and when in doubt, throw it out." He added that charred doesn't mean cooked when it comes to grilling up your barbecue staples. This is especially important to remember with chicken, sausages, and burgers. Meat should be cut through to ensure it is safe to eat and if they are pink or the juice isn't clear, that's your sign to put them back on the grill. Coleslaw The expert also warned Brits about another popular barbecue staple – colelsaw. Government advice on BBQ safety The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue: Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies. Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue. Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan. Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches). Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area. After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it. Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire. Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste. In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance. Enjoy yourself, but don't drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue. Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals. He revealed that sides made with mayonnaise or dairy "can quickly turn dangerous" if left in the sun. You should also be aware of the dangers of cross-contamination, which the pro said is the most common mistake. Avoid using the same tongs or chopping food for raw and cooked meat as this can cause salmonella infections. More BBQ stories And if you're planning to host a barbecue get together on a smaller balcony, make sure to heed this warning. Another little-known danger could also pose a risk when barbecuing this summer. And barbecue fans can pick up a "no-frills" charcoal grill for just £11 from Argos.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
I'm a food pro – 4 common BBQ mistakes can give you food poisoning in hot weather & you need to be careful with coleslaw
THE hot weather means more and more Brits are opting to grill their dinner outdoors. However, be careful not to make these common mistakes that can result in food poisoning. Whether you're enjoying quiet summer barbecue or grilling up a storm for all your friends and family, be careful when preparing your al fresco meal. When it comes to outdoor cooking in these hot conditions, you need to take extra precautions. Certain foods can quickly become dangerous when exposed to the high temperatures and sunlight for too long. "Most people don't realise how quickly warm weather turns food dangerous," Mark McShane, food hygiene expert at Food Hygiene Certificate, told the Express. Chicken, sausages, and burgers "In 30 degree Celsius plus heat, chicken left out for just 30 minutes can begin developing unsafe levels of bacteria – and no, cooking it won't always kill everything," he explained. He went on to say that taking chicken and burgers out of the fridge and leaving them by the barbecue for over too long before cooking places the meat in a "danger zone". According to the expert, the maximum amount of time meat should stay out of the fridge when the weather is between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius is an hour. And when temperatures spike over 30 degrees Celsius, the maximum time is cut in half to just 30 minutes. "We see a spike in food poisoning every time there's a UK heatwave – and it's nearly always avoidable," he explained. "You can't 'see' or 'smell' these bacteria, but they'll ruin your weekend. The 2C method which stops flies plaguing your home and ruining your BBQ "Cook safely, chill properly and when in doubt, throw it out." He added that charred doesn't mean cooked when it comes to grilling up your barbecue staples. This is especially important to remember with chicken, sausages, and burgers. Meat should be cut through to ensure it is safe to eat and if they are pink or the juice isn't clear, that's your sign to put them back on the grill. Coleslaw The expert also warned Brits about another popular barbecue staple – colelsaw. The UK Government have issued some guidelines for staying safe whilst using a barbecue: Keep a bucket of water, sand or a garden hose nearby for emergencies. Follow the safety instructions provided with your gas, charcoal, or disposable barbecue. Never use a barbecue indoors, in a tent, under an awning or in a caravan. Use enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue, but not more (normally around 5cms or 2 inches). Keep children, pets and garden games away from the cooking area. After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it. Empty ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire. Make sure your barbecue is well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste. In the countryside or public park areas, only use disposable barbecues where there are specially designated areas and carefully follow the safety guidance. Enjoy yourself, but don't drink too much alcohol if you are in charge of the barbecue. Never use petrol or paraffin to start or revive your barbecue; use only recognised lighters or starter fuels on cold coals. He revealed that sides made with mayonnaise or dairy "can quickly turn dangerous" if left in the sun. You should also be aware of the dangers of cross-contamination, which the pro said is the most common mistake. Avoid using the same tongs or chopping food for raw and cooked meat as this can cause salmonella infections. More BBQ stories And if you're planning to host a barbecue get together on a smaller balcony, make sure to heed this warning. Another little-known danger could also pose a risk when barbecuing this summer. And barbecue fans can pick up a "no-frills" charcoal grill for just £11 from Argos. 2
