FOOD Standards Scotland (FSS) want people in West Dunbartonshire to help reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Launching a food safety campaign, the organisation is encouraging people to promote good practices in the kitchen.

The campaign highlights 20 common ‘kitchen crimes’ which could potentially lead to food poisoning.

A recent FSS survey showed people in Scotland only follow 11 of 20 food safety practices on average.

Following simple practices at home can reduce the risk of contracting the illness from bacteria such as campylobacter – found in raw poultry and the biggest cause of food poisoning in Scotland.

FSS has warned against common behaviours such as the ‘sniff test’ to check if a food is safe to eat – it is difficult to smell the bacteria which causes food poisoning.

People are urged to check their fridge is at the right temperature because bacteria can grow quickly in warm conditions. Washing chicken can also splash harmful bacteria around the kitchen.

Dr Jacqui McElhiney, head of food protection Science with FSS, said: “Our consumer research shows that too many people in Scotland are often still complacent.”