Christmas Lights

• Check that the plug has no signs of damage/scorching and has a 3A fuse (and no bigger).
• Examine the lights - are the cable and lamp holders in good condition?
• Always remove the plug from the mains before replacing a bulb.
• Use the correct spare bulbs and ensure the fuse bulb (normally painted white) is fitted.
• If using lights with a transfomer only use the correct one.
• Never let children play with Christmas lights.
• Always unplug before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Do not use lights designed for indoor use outdoors.
• Only buy lights carrying the CE mark on the packaging and comply with BSEN 60598-2-20.

Candles

Every year there are 450 injuries and 9 deaths caused by 1200 candle started fires.

• Never leave lit candles unattended.
• Never put candles on Christmas trees.
• Keep candles in a draught free area, in a holder and away from curtains, furnishings etc.
• Keep children and pets away from candles.

Toys

Every year, some 40,000 accidents occur involving toys.

• Remove all packaging and carefully read instructions.
• Check the condition of batteries.
• Look out for the CE mark (legally required on all toys). You may also see the lion of the British Toy and Hobby Association.
• Ensure that the toy is suitable for the age of the child.
• Check that there are no sharp edges or points and that any small parts (for example eyes and noses) are securely attached.
• Make sure that necessary protective equipment, for example a crash helmet is used.
• Make sure that young children do not get access to toys belonging to older brothers and sisters.
• Make sure that toys are tidied away and not left lying around, especially on or near stairway.

Safe Christmas eating

Christmas is a time when many families will be sitting down to eat turkey. Whether you are cooking for one or twenty-one, adhere to this advice to ensure your turkey is safe to eat.

Storage

• Frozen turkey should be stored in the freezer at -18 ° C or colder.
• Fresh turkey should be stored on a tray at the bottom of your fridge away from ready to eat foods, at 5 ° C or below. Keep the turkey covered.

Defrosting Times

• Defrost on a tray in a cool place (preferably the fridge).
• In a fridge (at 4°C) allow 10-12 hours per kg.
• In a cool room (below 17.5°C) allow 3-4 hours per kg.
• At room temperature (about 20°C) allow 2 hours per kg.

Preparation

• Wash your hands in hot water with anti-bacterial soap.
• Don’t wash the turkey as bacteria can splash onto worktops etc.
• Remove the giblets and store in the fridge until required for cooking or dispose of in the bin.
• Wash all surfaces and utensils which have come into contact with the turkey with anti-bacterial cleaners.

Cooking

• As a general guide, preheat the oven to 190°C / 375°F / Gas Mark 5 and allow 18-20 minutes per 450g (lb). (Cooking times are based on an unstuffed turkey. It is better to cook your stuffing separately in a roasting tin. This enables the turkey to cook thoroughly.)

There are three main ways to tell if a turkey is cooked:-

• The meat should be piping hot all the way through. If you have a probe thermometer this can be used to ensure the meat is cooked to at least 75°C.
• When the thickest part of the meat is cut none of the meat should be pink.
• When pierced the juices should run clear.
• Serve as soon as possible.

Leftovers

• Cool as quickly as possible (no more than 1½ hours).
• Store in the fridge in a covered container.
• Only take out as much as you are going to use.
• Reheat only sliced meat. Ensure it is piping hot all the way through (75°C).
• Do not reheat more than once.
• Use within 3 days.
• If freezing, freeze no later than day three (e.g. Cooked on Christmas Eve freeze on Boxing Day).

For further information on safer Christmas eating, visit the
Food Standards Agency