THE importance of good food hygiene is being stressed in a new appeal by Pendle Council's environmental health chief.

The appeal comes a week before National Food Safety week begins on June 14, which aims to reduce the incidence of food poisoning.

Stuart Arnott, Pendle's environmental health manager, said: "Every week the council's environmental health officers have to follow up cases of food and water-borne diseases, including typhoid, E. coli and salmonella.

"For many of the individuals affected, this is just unpleasant. However, for risk groups such as the young or elderly, these situations can be fatal. Simple precautions at home and at work play a key role in avoiding disaster.

"I am sure people recall devastating effects a serious outbreak of something like E. coli food poisoning can have on people's lives and local communities."

Suggested good practice in handling food includes good personal hygiene, hand washing, refrigeration, thorough cooking of food and keeping raw and cooked foods apart.

Free advice is available from Pendle Council on 01282 661661.