People over the age of 60 are more likely to take risks with “use by” dates than younger people, according to new research by the Food Standards Agency.
Eating food beyond its “use by” date increases the risk of food poisoning from the listeria food bug, which can be life-threatening for this age group, the agency notes.
The Food Standards Agency is an independent government department set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in relation to food.
According to a news release, the number of cases of people taken ill with listeria rose 20 percent in 2007 and has more than doubled since 2000,with the increase occurring predominantly among people over 60.
Research shows that less than half of this age group recognizes “use by” dates as an important indicator of whether food is safe or not, and they could be putting themselves at risk of serious illness.
Research found:
- Less than half (42 percent) of older people questioned in the survey correctly identified the “use by” date as an important indicator of whether a food is safe.
- Older respondents were more likely to eat food past its “use by” date. For example, 40 percent would eat dairy products up to three days past the“use by” date.
- Only a third of people (34 percent) over 65 would never eat dairy past its “use by” date.
- Less than half (39 percent) of people over 65 checked their fridge temperature at least every six months. Setting the right fridge temperature (between 0°C and 5°C) is important to control the growth of listeria in food.
