Hygiene rules for meat fondue

Many families follow the tradition of having meat fondue on Christmas Eve. But to avoid possible problems on the following morning, you must observe some important hygiene rules. This Health Tip takes a closer look at what you need to keep in mind when preparing Fondue Chinoise.

For many families, enjoying a delicious Fondue Chinoise on Christmas Eve is an important tradition during the holiday season. However, there is always the risk of catching a stomach bug if you fail to apply the necessary care when preparing and cooking the food. The number of cases of diarrhoeal disease, such as campylobacteriosis, always climbs sharply towards the end of every year, in part because people fail to pay enough attention to hygiene rules when preparing and cooking the popular Fondue Chinoise on Christmas.

Not a harmless illness

Campylobacter bacteria are especially common in poultry meat, and if you become infected you are likely to suffer not only from severe diarrhoea, but also from fever and strong stomach cramps. Campylobacter bacteria infections have been increasing in recent years – even surpassing salmonella cases, the previously leading type of infection. If you experience the symptoms described above after having consuming meat, you will most likely need to see your doctor.

Hygiene rules

To prevent this from happening in the first place, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) recommends the following when preparing Fondue Chinoise or other meat dishes:

  • Always use separate cutting boards, plates, knives, etc. for the various meats and the other foods you're preparing.
  • Always use two separate plates during the meal; one for the raw meat, the other for the cooked foods and sauces.
  • Never let any raw meat come into contact with other foods, such as side dishes and salads, while preparing the meal.
  • The same applies to the drip juice of the meat: This, too, should never come into contact with the other foods.
  • Poultry meat, especially, always needs to be completely cooked or fried – under no circumstances should you eat it raw.

19.12.2018

In the event of further health-related questions, SWICA customers can contact the santé24 telemedicine service free of charge on +41 44 404 86 86. A telemedicine practice licence allows santé24 physicians to provide additional medical services in cases that are suited to a telemedicine approach. SWICA customers can also use the BENECURA medical app to carry out a digital SymptomCheck and receive recommendations about what to do next. During a subsequent phone call with santé24, customers can decide for themselves whether to release their information from SymptomCheck to santé24.
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