How is it prevented?
General Advice Hands should always be thoroughly cleaned before eating or touching food.
This is something that’s really important, but many people (adults too!) forget to clean their hands – or “just can’t be bothered”. Hands that are covered in germs can look clean, so it’s important that children learn to wash hands before eating as a routine part of daily life. We can get all sorts of food poisoning germs from unwashed hands – not just E.coli. Simple hot water and soap is enough to do the job, but wet wipes are probably the best alternative when there’s not a sink available.
Make sure children wear appropriate clothing including sturdy outdoor shoes.
Always check that cuts and grazes on children’s hands are covered with a waterproof dressing.
During a farm visit Older children must understand that they have to behave sensibly around animals and follow all the rules of the farm, country code or petting zoo. Younger children must be carefully supervised at all times.
Children must never kiss the animals, however cute and cuddly they look.
Make sure children wear appropriate clothing including sturdy outdoor shoes – it’s very important they don’t wear sandals – and ideally they should wear wellington boots wherever possible.
They should always wash their hands thoroughly before eating and after any contact with animals whatsoever. Ideally hands should be washed using hot running water and soap, although we know that this often isn’t possible. Antibacterial wipes/rubs can also be used. Younger children should be supervised to ensure hands are washed thoroughly.
They must only eat food that they’ve brought with them, or that has been bought for human consumption in a farm shop.
Make sure that children in your care – especially the younger ones – do not suck their fingers or put their hands, pens and pencils into their mouths.
Always check that the children do not touch or pick up any tools which are lying around and they mustn’t climb on walls and animal pens.
After the visit Ensure children thoroughly clean or change their footwear before leaving. And they must always wash their hands one final time before heading back for home or school.
