There are an estimated 4.1 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year that result in 31,920 hospitalisations, 86 deaths and 1 million visits to doctors.
As part of Australian Food Safety Week Rockhampton Regional Council is sharing a series of tips to keep food poisoning at bay.
Planning and Regulation Councillor Ellen Smith is urging local residents to take food poisoning seriously.
"Food poisoning is more than a minor stomach upset. It can be life threatening especially for the elderly, pregnant women and their unborn babies and people with compromised immune systems," Cr Smith said.
"This year for Australian Food Safety Week 2020, we will be building upon our good hygiene practices established as a result of COVID-19, so we can continue to reduce the amount of foodborne disease.
"We'd like people to continue the good work by following five simple food safety tips; clean, chill, cook, separate and don't cook for others if you are unwell.
"Our Health and Environment team at Council conduct hundreds of inspections each year to ensure that every food business in our region is operating to a very standard of hygiene and safety.
"We're lucky to have a great relationship with these businesses, and when our officers do identify issues they're able to work closely with the owners to understand any problems and ensure they're solved quickly.
"With summer BBQs and the festive season just around the corner, it is also important to think about our food safety as we entertain our family and friends in our homes and backyards. We will be sharing tips this week on Council's Facebook page, so make sure you check them out and share them around."
