Keep food poisoning away from your residents this Christmas
Christmas is a time when most people take a break from work to be with their families, but for many care home staff the holiday season is devoted to caring for vulnerable people who can’t return home.
Faced with the challenge of managing a reduced team (some of whom may be seasonal staff) but determined to make sure their residents don’t miss out on the celebrations many care homes cater for a traditional Christmas dinner. But staff should think carefully before they put that turkey in the oven so that they don’t risk exposing their residents to food poisoning or the business to a hefty fine.
Cristal International Care’s <http://www.cristalstandards.com/> set menu warns care home staff of the real dangers to residents if the Christmas dinner isn’t cooked properly.
The Christmas day menu from hell
Starter
Undercooked salmon parcels with a sprinkle of listeria
Undercooked fish can be extremely dangerous, causing diarrhoea and sickness. This can be fatal for those with complex health needs and a weaker immune system. It may sound obvious, but kitchen staff must ensure it is hot right the way through before serving it to residents.
Simply, the kitchen should be treated like a restaurant. Guests wouldn’t eat in a dirty restaurant; therefore residents shouldn’t be expected to dine in an unsafe and unpleasant environment that could make them gravely ill.
Main
Cold turkey served with a generous portion of norovirus
Timing is everything when cooking a Christmas dinner, and many cook the turkey in advance to save time. However, where possible, food should be served immediately after it has been cooked. Food that has been kept warm, such as on hot plates can be a breeding ground for bacteria and can lead to infections such as the norovirus, resulting in stomach cramps and aching limbs – not pleasant for residents and staff.
Dessert
Traditional Christmas pudding with a secret ingredient of salmonella
Christmas pudding may seem like a safe Christmas food, with a predicted 25 million <http://www.fta.co.uk/export/sites/fta/_galleries/downloads/email_news/c…; of us tucking into one this year. However, eggs are a key ingredient to this old classic, and can be particularly hazardous if cooked incorrectly.
Undercooked eggs are likely to cause salmonella, which can lead to constipation and a fever. The highest rate of infection is in those aged 70+ and those with immunological compromise. This may lead to admission to hospital for rehydration and to prevent the silent killer: pneumonia.
As much as we’d like to believe it, lighting brandy on top of the Christmas pudding won’t kill the virus.
Drinks Menu
If you are unlucky enough to contract food poisoning, stay away from the sherry. Drink lots of water as it is important not to get dehydrated.