Pupils shown play on food danger

Ultraviolet dye will show spots missed during hand washing

Pupils from 23 different schools are being shown a play showing the dangers of illness caused by poor hygiene.

Over half of teenagers do not wash their hands after going to the toilet or before eating, according to a survey by the Food and Drink Federation.

Now trading standards officers are holding an open day in Newbury to drive home the issue to pupils.

The council say the open day is an important part of their drive to improve food safety in Berkshire.

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Demonstrations include using an ultraviolet dye to show pupils how much bacteria can be left on their hands after washing.

They will be followed by an hour-long play by a nationally recognised theatre group on food hygiene.

Caroline Stevenson, food safety officer said: "We hope that the young people attending over the two days will receive a message that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives".

The open days are held on Wednesday and Thursday at Newbury rugby club.