Research commissioned ahead of Food Safety Week (16 to 22 June) and carried out by Populus, shows that poultry meat (chicken, duck, goose and turkey) is the most popular meat to buy and eat for 69 per cent of consumers, compared with beef for 16 per cent, pork for 11 per cent and lamb for four per cent of those surveyed.

The findings also reveal that three quarters (76 per cent) of women eat poultry more than other meats, compared to less than two thirds of men (63 per cent). Poultry is also the younger respondent’s meat of choice with 79 per cent of 18-24 year olds, 78 per cent of 25-34 year olds, falling to 66 per cent of 55-64 year olds, and 60 per cent of those aged 65 and over - all eating poultry meat more than any other.

The findings are revealed on the launch of the Food Standard Agency’s annual Food Safety Week (Monday 16 to Sunday 22 June), which this year focuses on telling consumers “Don’t wash raw chicken”. The advice is designed to prevent any remaining bacteria in raw meat and juices being spread around the kitchen onto other food or preparation surfaces.

The BPC survey also found that whilst 78 per cent of people are confident they know how to minimise foodborne illness, around a third believe (31 per cent) that consumers do not know enough to ensure the food is cooked safely and would benefit from further education.

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