Restaurants and fast-food outlets that burn real charcoal on their premises are being warned about the dangers of carbon-monoxide poisoning, following a recent incident in Edinburgh.
Environmental health officers from the city’s Council have written to 190 food businesses in the Scottish capital this week after CO detectors were set off in a residential property above a restaurant. An investigation revealed that the restaurant was using real charcoal and that the flue to the kitchen’s extraction system was leaking into the flats above. Fortunately no residents were harmed but the consequences could have been more serious, said the Council.
The warning does not relate to char grills, tandoori ovens, or other appliances that use natural gas and artificial coals (often referred to as lava rock). There is no ban on the use of charcoal for cooking indoors but it must be carefully controlled. When charcoal burns it produces significant amounts of carbon monoxide and, if used indoors, the gas can build up and lead to carbon-monoxide poisoning. The gas continues to be released for a long time after the charcoal starts to cool down.
Symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, confusion, shortness of breath and can lead to loss of consciousness and even death in extreme cases.
Councillor and environment convenor Lesley Hinds said: “Although there have been no serious incidents in Edinburgh it is important that food businesses are aware of the health risks associated with burning real charcoal.
“Carbon-monoxide poisoning can prove fatal in extreme cases and the Council has a duty to ensure all premises are operating safely within the law.”
The Council also emphasised the importance of ensuring all gas appliances are maintained and serviced regularly by competent Gas Safe-registered engineers.
