Although food safety is important throughout the entire year, particular attention should be paid during the summer months. High temperatures, outdoor activities and frequent consumption of food away from home can increase the risk of harmful microorganisms multiplying. Therefore, it is especially important to reinforce awareness of safe food handling practices during this period in order to protect our own health and the health of others.
Recognizing that safe food preparation and handling habits are developed from an early age, experts from the Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food (HAPIH) held two educational lectures for children participating in the Osijek Summer Camp.
During the lectures, key food safety topics were presented in an accessible and interactive manner, including food spoilage processes, ways in which microorganisms can contaminate food, and practical advice for safe food handling in everyday situations.
The programme was further enriched with an interactive knowledge quiz, allowing children to test their newly acquired knowledge through real-life scenarios. Particular emphasis was placed on recognizing the temperature danger zone, proper handling of perishable food left at room temperature for extended periods, understanding date marking on food labels, and appropriate handling of food after the “Best before” date.
The lectures were organized as part of the promotional activities of the Safe2Eat campaign, which HAPIH has been implementing for the sixth consecutive year as a national ambassador in cooperation with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The campaign aims to raise consumer awareness of food safety, reduce food waste, promote the correct understanding of food labels, encourage safe food handling practices, and support the prevention of foodborne illnesses, with a focus on the practical application of food safety principles in everyday life.
