Programme aims to reduce risk of spreading harmful bacteria

A BODY that promotes awareness and knowledge of food safety and nutrition issues has launched a campaign to help children under five learn all about handwashing and help tackle the spread of harmful bacteria.

‘Rufus the Handwashing Hero’ is the star of safefood’s new educational resource pack which features a storybook, sink poster and sticker set.

Developed by safefood with the support of Early Childhood Ireland, the pack, which is free, has been arriving in more than 3,500 childcare providers since last week.

Person-to-person spread remains one of the most common transmission routes for E.coli infections.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Linda Gordon, Chief Specialist in Food Science, safefood, said that with any outbreaks of harmful bacteria like E.coli, those aged under five are some of the most vulnerable because their immune systems aren’t fully developed.

“Because children spend lots of time together in crèches, it’s important to protect them from the spread of harmful bacteria,” said Dr Gordon. 

“As we know, person-to-person spread remains one of the most common transmission routes for E.coli infections.

“Teaching young kids how, but also when, to wash their hands and reinforcing that behaviour in a fun, engaging way is a great way to help protect them.”

Ray Dolan, chief executive of safefood, said handwashing is one of the most important life skills you can teach children from a young age. “‘Rufus’ is a fun, friendly character with a big personality that we’ve created to teach kids about handwashing,” said Mr Dolan.

“We are providing childcare and education professionals with our storybook, catchy song and our easy-to-remember five steps of handwashing – Wet; Soap; Rub; Rinse and Dry – as part of our pre-school pack.

“Our pack contains extra reusable posters for home, so children can bring these lessons home and wash their hands with ‘Rufus’ and their parents too.

Teresa Heeney, chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland, said they were delighted to have worked with safefood in the development of the fun resource pack.

“The sink posters and songs help with learning good handwashing habits and the storybook helps to reinforce this in a very interactive way with each child,” said Ms Heeney.

“Our members understand that as childcare professionals, they play a key role in developing these life skills and reducing the risk of harmful bacteria like E.coli spreading among the children in their care.”

For more information on the campaign and resources for childcare providers, visit www.safefood.eu