Snacks may contain harmful bacteria

London: A visit to a fete is not generally regarded as a dangerous activity, but it could end in a trip to hospital if you stop for a snack, health experts have warned.

An investigation of hot dogs, burgers and other food served at venues ranging from pop festivals to school fetes, found high levels of bacteria, including salmonella and E.coli. The bugs were also found on chopping boards and cleaning cloths — with many of the problems linked to staff apparently not washing their hands properly after visiting the lavatory. Most types of bacteria found can cause stomach upsets but in some cases can lead to serious complications, including blood-poisoning and death.

Harmful bacteria were found at 153 fetes, music festivals, carnivals and fairs around the country. Swabs taken by council and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) officials revealed that one in 12 food samples — 53 out of 659 — were of unsatisfactory quality. Seven samples contained potentially hazardous levels of bacteria, including salmonella and clostridium perfringens.

Such bugs are usually found in cooked meat kept warm for several hours before being served.

Some 27 per cent of water samples — 56 of 209 — contained unacceptable levels of coliform bacteria, which could indicate faecal contamination. E.coli and/or enterococci bacteria were found in 16 samples. Some 60 per cent of chopping boards had unsatisfactory levels of contamination.

Cleaning cloths, used to wipe surfaces and knives, were particularly dirty. Bacterial levels 20 times above acceptable levels were found on 56 per cent — 97 of 156 — of cloths. Some tested positive for E.coli and species of listeria, a particular threat to pregnant women and unborn children.

Many public events, particularly festivals and pop concerts, require caterers to wear a security wristband as proof of their authorisation to trade.

However, one in five swabbed wristbands were contaminated with enterobacteriaceae and E.coli, a common bacteria found in the human gut, and staphylococcus, which lives on the skin.

Dr Caroline Willis, a specialist microbiologist at the HPA, said: “Gastrointestinal illnesses are some of the most common problems encountered by people attending festivals and large-scale outdoor events.

“There are various reasons why hygiene is lower at such events, including the volume of customers, use of temporary staff, cramped conditions, lack of storage space and difficulties with on-site cleaning.”