Simple precautions to help prevent E.coli
Advice on how to reduce the risk of contracting E.Coli.
Lancaster City Council has issued advice on how to minimise the risk of contracting E.Coli following the recent outbreak at open farms in the south of the country.
Environmental health officers from the council have visited all of the district’s animal attractions to offer advice and ensure hygiene practices are up to scratch.
Although there have been no reported outbreaks of E.coli at open farms in the Lancaster district, precautions should always be taken to minimise risk.
To reduce the risk of infection:
- No one should eat or drink anything, including crisps, sweets and chewing gum, whilst walking around the farm.
- If you are touching or feeding animals, you should not place your face against the animals or put your hands in your mouth afterwards.
- After contact with animals and before eating and drinking, ensure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly using hot soapy water. Please note, alcoholic gels and hand wipes are not effective. If you are with young children they may need supervision when washing hands or need to have their hands washed for them.
- Ensure footwear is as free as possible from mud and faecal matter. Where possible, wear Wellington boots for the visit and change before leaving. Remember to wash your hands after removing the Wellingtons or other outdoor footwear. Also pay particular attention to cleaning buggy and pushchair wheels to remove any contamination.
- Visit any play areas associated with the farm first before touring the animal pens to avoid cross contamination to play equipment or soft ball areas.
For more information visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/foodsafety.
Date Updated: 28/09/09