Instant Barbecue safety messaging for National Picnic Week 2023 from Bar-Be-Quick

This week is National Picnic Week (17th – 25th June 2023) and Bar-Be-Quick (manufacturer of the original instant barbecue) is anticipating an increase in numbers enjoying a meal outdoors. However, a new study by the brand has revealed half of Brits (50%) aren’t aware of the correct way to extinguish and dispose of an instant barbecue.

According to the research, almost a third of people surveyed (29%) just leave their instant barbecues to cool down once used. More shockingly, 7% of those interviewed said they would just chuck the barbecue in the bin.

A further 14% said they extinguish their barbecues by covering them with sand. For those planning a picnic at the beach this week, sand is an insulator of heat causing the barbecue to reach higher temperatures and creating a hazard for unsuspecting bare feet.

Only 16% of those surveyed were able to accurately state the safest and correct way to extinguish a disposable barbecue, which is to douse it completely in water.

When asked how they dispose of their instant barbecues once finished with them, almost a third (31%) claimed they disassembled and recycled the individual contents correctly according to the instructions. However, 30% confessed to putting the whole thing in the bin. A further 17% admitted they had no idea instant barbecues could be recycled.

The research of over 1,000 people was carried out by Rectella – the Burnley-based manufacturer of the Bar-Be-Quick range of instant barbecues and charcoal products. The company wanted to better understand how much people know about barbecue safety in advance of the summer season.

As a result of the findings, Bar-Be-Quick has launched #coolitquick – a national barbecue safety campaign, which aims to build awareness amongst the public on the safe use of instant barbecues, portable barbecues, and campfires.

Caroline Morris, Sales & Business Development Director at Rectella International, comments on the findings: “With the hot weather set to continue, we expect to see more people cooking outdoors during National Picnic Week, which can inevitably increase the use of instant and portable barbecues and campfires. Whilst we know most Brits are able to use them safely, our research reveals a large proportion are still unaware of how to cook and dispose of them responsibly, which is a big concern.

“Unsafe use of barbecues, particularly during hot, dry summers, can cause wildfires, which lead to a lot of environmental damage as well as being a threat to life.

“We’ve launched our #coolitquick campaign to ensure everyone knows how to use our products responsibly, including how to safely recycle instant barbecues once customers have finished using them.”

All of Bar-Be-Quick’s instant barbecue products carry a QR code that will take individuals to online educational materials giving safety tips on how to barbecue safely. The information will be updated throughout the summer with everything barbecue users need to be aware of in different weather conditions and environments.

The #coolitquick website will also provide tips on seaside safety, how to cool an instant barbecue quickly, safe positioning and, importantly, how to dispose of them responsibly.

Paul Hedley, NFCC lead for wildfires, said: “NFCC supports improved consumer advice when using these products. The heat from instant barbecues can start fires and cause injuries. Better education and advice on when and where it’s safe to use these products and how to correctly extinguish and dispose of them can reduce these risks. At times of heightened risk, we would advise people to always take a cold picnic instead.”

The Bar-Be-Quick product range is available nationwide via major retailers and convenience stores. The brand will also work with its retail partners this summer to increase education and awareness through in-store and on-pack educational assets. These assets will demonstrate to users the correct way to use and dispose of instant barbecues, as well as provide tips for a safe and fun barbecue season.

Melanie Wilson, Senior Director of Global Sourcing, Quality & Sustainability at ASDA, said, “We very much welcome this educational campaign from Rectella. For many people, barbecues are much a loved summer highlight – but, as with any product, if used incorrectly or irresponsibly, they can pose a risk, therefore ensuring that consumers have easy access to information on the safe and proper way to use and dispose of instant barbecues is something that Asda fully supports.

For more information on how to safely barbecue, please visit www.barbequick.com/grillguide/barbecue-safely/.