Food pubs warned of hygiene hazard of insect boom

Pubs that serve food are being warned to look out for an increasing number of flying insects after a warm but wet summer.

High summer temperatures, combined with wet weather, present ideal breeding conditions for flies, meaning there is likely to be a boom in the numbers of insects around.

Dr Peter Cottee, who is the managing director of electric fly killing machine manufacturers Insect-O-Cutor and a leading entomologist, said: "A rise in average temperatures in the east of the country combined with slightly higher than average rainfall makes for perfect breeding conditions for flies.

"As the fly population levels swell they pose a very real hygiene hazard to the catering and hospitality industries."

Dr Ken Wildey of the government's Central Science Laboratory agreed. "Insect reproduction is temperature dependent and flies breed more quickly in warmer weather," he said.

Licensees should ensure food is covered where possible and use fly killers, screens and traps where appropriate.

Talking about summer and food, why not have a look at some seasonal dishes to serve up? With brighter weather comes lighter pub grub, so try out these mouthwatering barbecue recipes, and also these tempting summer food recipes.

But before you get cracking on those recipes, take a quick look at the dos and don'ts of barbecue cooking, with hints and tips from the Food Standards Agency aimed at preventing food poisoning - click here.Better safe than sorry!