It was worrying that so many teenagers showed great ability in "surfing the net" and using the latest in information technology and yet were not fully aware of how to prepare and cook food safely, said Dr Patrick Wall, chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.
Speaking to more than 200 graduates of St Catherine's College of Home Economics in Dublin at the weekend, Dr Wall said this had particular significance given that numerous second-level students were working in the hospitality sector.
"It is vital they are aware of fundamental food safety techniques. Otherwise they could, through a simple lack of knowledge, be responsible for food poisoning incidents," he warned.
In addition, it underlined the need for home economics teachers to keep abreast of the many changes in the food sector and, in particular, new emerging bacteria.