THE council has issued a warning to residents to be more aware of the risks of food poisoning.

As part of Food Safety Week, the council is backing a campaign, which urges residents not to wash raw chicken as this can spread harmful bacteria.

Clr David Keane, executive board member of environment and public protection said: “It’s important that we do our bit to make sure that people know how to handle and cook food safely for themselves and for their families.

“We’re proud to be keeping people in Warrington safe and well by being part of this campaign to spread the word – and not the germs.”

Alongside this, the fight against Campylobacter, the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK, will also be at the centre of the drive with The Food Standards Agency leading a campaign to tackle the problem.

Farmers and producers will be asked to work harder to reduce the amount of bacteria on their raw poultry whilst consumers will be able to see the latest data.