The BfR children’s book is aimed at children from grade 1 upwards and can be read on the BfR website in both German and English. It can also be ordered free of charge as a printed copy.
https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/publications/childrens-books/
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 200 different diseases are caused by the consumption of contaminated food. Statistically speaking, one in ten people worldwide every year fall ill from foodborne infections – including children. Children are a particularly sensitive group as their immune systems are often not completely developed, and they must be protected as best as possible. For this reason the BfR has set itself the task to inform even the smallest children about these topics in a playful way.
While doing detective work in the kitchen, Luis and Maya get to know different bacteria and viruses. They realise very quickly that some of these can be dangerous for humans. This includes Campylobacter, the most common bacterial pathogen of intestinal infections. Contaminated or insufficiently heated poultry meat is one of the main sources of infection. A lack of kitchen hygiene in particular can cause an infection due to cross contamination, i.e. the transfer of bacteria from one food to another. Children can learn how to avoid cross contamination and defeat “Campys” in the new BfR children’s book “Luis’ and Maya’s adventure in the shrinking lab: searching for clues in the kitchen” and its large, colourful illustrations.
About the BfR
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). It protects people’s health preventively in the fields of public health and veterinary public health. The BfR provides advice to the Federal Government as well as the Federal States (‘Laender’) on questions related to food, feed, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics closely related to its assessment tasks.
This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.