Health chiefs warn of 12 festive kitchen mistakes that can cause food poisoning

Britons are being urged to follow updated festive guidance from the Food Standards Agency as health chiefs warn that Christmas cooking can carry hidden risks. The agency identified a dozen common kitchen mistakes that can spark food poisoning during the holiday period, and officials urge households to plan for safe thawing, cooking, cooling and storage of festive foods.

Key warnings include not leaving leftovers at room temperature and not placing hot dishes straight into the fridge, which can let harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and Campylobacter reproduce. The FSA notes that while around 70,000 people in England and Wales seek medical advice for Christmas-related food poisoning, the true number could be as high as 2.4 million because many cases go unreported.

Among the 12 festive food fails are defrosting poultry on the worktop, eating dairy, fish or cold meats past use-by dates because they still look or smell fine, leaving buffet foods out for four hours or more, and reusing knives or utensils that have touched raw meat without thorough cleaning. The agency also warns that keeping a fridge too warm increases risk and urges households to ensure fridges stay below 5C to slow bacterial growth.

Leftovers should be cooled and refrigerated within about 1-2 hours; large frozen turkeys, roughly seven kilograms, can take up to four days to defrost and at least three hours to cook. Once defrosted, leftovers should be eaten within 24 hours and cannot be refrozen. Cooked fish and meat typically keep safely in the fridge for three to four days, while cheese can last longer than cream and custard.

Allergy safety is emphasized: nearly a third of Britons fail to ask guests about dietary requirements, increasing the risk of reactions such as anaphylaxis. The FSA urged hosts to check allergies or intolerances in advance to give guests time to prepare safe meals.

Overall, the agency notes that about 70,000 people seek medical advice during the Christmas period, though the true figure could be higher. The guidance aims to reduce risky practices and help families enjoy meals safely this holiday season.