As part of Australian Food Safety Week, held from 11 to 18 November 2023, Rockhampton Regional Council is urging the community not to compromise their health by taking food safety short cuts during the cost-of-living crisis.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said although times are tough it is important to never risk your health.
“This year’s Australian Food Safety Week theme is ‘Food safety – dollars and sense’ and aims to help people manage the increased cost of living without compromising food safety,” Cr Mathers said.
“There are plenty of different ways you can make savings through reducing food waste and growing your own food while ensuring the food you and your family eat remains safe.
“There are an estimated 4.67 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year that result in 47,900 hospitalisations, 38 deaths and cost to the economy of $2.1 billion, and we don’t want to see these stats in our local community.
“Food borne disease isn’t a minor illness but can leave you with long term effects such as reactive arthritis, which is why we like to remind residents on the importance of food safety.”
