SCHOOLS across Hambleton will be targeted in a national campaign next week to promote safe eating.

The district council's environmental health team will be doing its bit for National Food Safety Week by issuing every primary school in the area with a resource pack.

The packs will teach the youngsters about the importance of handwashing, which has been highlighted in a recent survey commissioned by the Food and Drink Federation.

The survey found that 26 per cent of men and 17 per cent of women do not always wash their hands before preparing food.

The survey also revealed that 32 per cent of men and 17 per cent of women said they do not regularly wash their hands after using the toilet.

"When you look at this research you realise we have a large problem to contend with," said cabinet spokesperson on environmental health Councillor David Blades.

"As the number of germs on fingertips is known to double after using the toilet, they stay alive for up to three hours and can settle under rings and bracelets, it is vital that we educate our youngsters in correct handwashing. Keeping our hands clean is a crucial line of defence against harmful bacteria which can cause food poisoning and stomach upsets."