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United Kingdom: Cuisine

British cooking is rich in roast meat, pies, soups and cooked vegetables, and much of it can be adapted to the treatment period.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a roast and vegetables.
Figure 1.Sunday table — United Kingdom: Cuisine

01Short answer

Everyday meals include the Sunday roast, shepherd’s pie, soups, fish and chips, porridge and tea. The key principle: well-cooked, hot, freshly made food is safer. Chilled pâtés, soft unpasteurised cheeses, ready-made sandwiches and salads, and raw shellfish are usually not recommended during neutropenia. The Food Standards Agency advises sticking strictly to the “use by” date.

02Simple explanation

Hot and cooked: safer.

Pâté: risky.

Use by: follow strictly.

03Scientific explanation

Listeria: the FDA advises at-risk groups to avoid chilled pâté and unpasteurised cheese.

Hygiene: the WHO five keys apply at home too.

04What happens in the body?

Sunday table

Roast chicken must be fully cooked with no pink inside.

Pie

A hot pie straight from the oven is a good choice.

On a dark navy background, a pie from the oven.
Figure 2.Pie — United Kingdom: Cuisine

Avoid

Chilled pâté and soft cheeses are usually not recommended during neutropenia.

On a dark navy background, cheese and pâté behind a line.
Figure 3.Items to avoid — United Kingdom: Cuisine

05Choosing a dish

Four questions.

Cooked? — Fully.1Cooked?Fully.
Pâté? — No.2Pâté?No.
Hot? — Steaming.3Hot?Steaming.
Date? — Use by.4Date?Use by.
FlavourHome dishes stay.
SafetyRisky ones set apart.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Sunday tableRoast chicken must be fully cooked with no pink inside.
PieA hot pie straight from the oven is a good choice.
AvoidChilled pâté and soft cheeses are usually not recommended during neutropenia.

07Key terms

Roast dinner
Sunday roast.
Shepherd’s pie
Minced lamb and mash pie.
Pâté
Meat or fish spread.
Use by
Safety date on labels.

08Key points

  • Eat food hot.
  • Check the “use by” date.
  • Avoid chilled pâté.
  • Chill leftovers quickly.
  • Reheat leftovers once.

09Frequently asked questions

Is Cheddar allowed?

Hard cheese made from pasteurised milk is usually possible; ask your team.

Fish and chips?

Safer when freshly fried and hot.

Ready meals?

Heat until steaming hot and check the date.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is Cheddar allowed?

  2. Fish and chips?

  3. Ready meals?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. FoodSafety.gov (U.S.). Food Safety for People with Cancer
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  5. Food Standards Agency. Official website
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Drugs Approved for Leukemia
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI), SEER. Cancer Stat Facts: Leukemia
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer — fact sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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