Eat safe this summer. That is the message from Braintree District Council staff who are hosting a series of events as part of National Food Safety Week, which starts on Monday.

A district council environmental health spokeswoman explained that last year alone the department received more than 300 food poisoning notifications. It is estimated that for every case reported, 18 go unreported.

"Based on that estimate each year potentially 5,400 people living in the Braintree district suffer food poisoning," she said.

"In the summer months, the food poisoning notifications received are double those for the rest of the year. The hotter the summer, the worse it gets."

The initiative opens on June 5, in partnership with Essex Fire and Rescue, with food safety information stalls being set up at fire station open days in Braintree, Wethersfield, Hedingham and Halstead.

Youngsters from Braintree Guides and Scouts will also be on hand, running barbecues and, at the same time, picking up food hygiene training from district council specialists. The open days run from 10am to 4pm.

Leaflets on barbecue safety will be distributed to schoolchildren in the district during the week, and new mothers will be given food hygiene advice from health visitors.

A food safety roadshow will be visiting Tesco and Somerfield supermarkets with balloons, competitions and information for customers of all ages.

l National Food Safety Week sees the launch of the new Barbecue Safety leaflet offering advice on food and fire safety.

Shops selling barbecue equipment can order leaflets by calling the health protection team on 01376 552525, extension 2211.

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