AGE Concern Suffolk has today launched an initiative to give away free fridge/freezer thermometers to help people avoid food poisoning.The scheme was launched to enable people to keep their food at the right temperature after research showed that the risk of infection almost doubles in summer.

AGE Concern Suffolk has today launched an initiative to give away free fridge/freezer thermometers to help people avoid food poisoning.

The scheme was launched to enable people to keep their food at the right temperature after research showed that the risk of infection almost doubles in summer.

The charity is giving away the fridge/freezer thermometers to help ensure that the contents of people's fridges are kept at the required three to five degrees Celsius and their freezer at the required minus 18 degrees Celsius.

Anyone is welcome to drop by its offices in Northgate Street, Ipswich, to pick up their free thermometer and get a quote for gas or electricity.

Trish Potter, from Age Concern Suffolk said: “While people of all ages suffer from salmonella food poisoning, infection can often be more severe for older people.

“There are many precautions that people should take to help prevent food poisoning - for example, washing your hands when preparing food, separating raw meat from ready-to-eat food and washing chopping boards, knifes and utensils after use.”

For more details about the Age Concern Energy Services package call free on 0800 404 5010 or visit Age Concern Suffolk at 8 Northgate Street, Ipswich or call them on 01473 257039.

Are you an older person with an issue you wish to share? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk .