In the newly released FSA’s Biannual Public Attitudes Tracker for May 2014, 82% of respondents reported being aware of the hygiene standards in places they eat out at or buy food from. Of these, 39% of the respondents reported hygiene certificates and 29% reported hygiene stickers as ways of knowing about hygiene standards.
The British Water Cooler Association rigorously audits and monitors hygiene standards for bottled water coolers and mains-fed water coolers, pointing out that it isn’t just hydration from water that matters but healthy, hygienic hydration.
Not all water cooler companies are accredited in this way and so, with more members of the public showing concern for hygiene standards, those installing and maintaining water coolers on their premises may want to ensure that they are using a BWCA member in order to have a guarantee of training and best practice.
“With eight out of 10 respondents reported being aware of the hygiene standards in places they eat out at or buy food from, we are conscious that people may wish to know that the water they are drinking is also subject to top hygiene standards,” said Phillipa Atkinson-Clow. “BWCA membership provides that reassurance for users of water coolers.”
Apart from hygiene issues, the FSA survey also showed that nearly half of respondents were concerned about the amount of sugar in food (48%) and the amount of salt in food (47%).
“The fact that nearly half of those asked were concerned about the content of the foods and drinks they consume is also good news for those of us who encourage water consumption,” said Atkinson-Clow. “Water is calorie-free, tooth-kind and so provides a natural catalyst for our bodies and our brains to work at optimum capacity without fear of adding unwanted sugars or salt to the diet.”
Source: BWCA
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