British Safety Council joins Global Cooksafe Coalition in UK and Europe

The GCC brings together industry leaders and sector experts around a shared vision for the future of cooking, in a drive to phase out gas from all new developments by 2030, and to retrofit existing properties with electric power by 2040. British Safety Council will support the GCC as a member.

Chef John Chantarasak, co-founder and head chef at AngloThai: “I’m a big fan of electric induction cooktops, as they allow greater control and flexibility when cooking." Photograph: British Safety Council

Commenting on the launch, Dr Julie Riggs, director of education and membership at British Safety Council, said: “Each year, nearly four million people globally – mostly women – die from illnesses linked to cooking with polluting fuels.

“That’s why British Safety Council supports the Global Cooksafe Coalition’s campaign to transition kitchens in the UK and around the world from using fossil fuels and towards using electric cooking appliances, powered by an increasingly decarbonised energy grid. It’s a win-win for our health, our finances and the environment, both in countries like the UK and around the world.”

Speakers at the launch event included Professor Frank Kelly, leading authority on air pollution and director of the Environmental Research Group at Imperial College London. Kelly said: “Over half the homes in the UK have no alternative but to cook with gas, which is polluting and emits toxic gases such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide, which can contribute to the ill health of those in the house. Cooking with electricity is by far the better option”.

Also giving cooking demonstrations, using an electric induction hob, was Chef John Chantarasak, co-founder and head chef at AngloThai. Chantarasak said: “I’m a big fan of electric induction cooktops, as they allow greater control and flexibility when cooking. Not only that, but they are also a joy to clean.

“I recently renovated my home kitchen and made the decision to move my entire appliance set-up from gas to electric. I believe that electric is the more sustainable option for the good of the planet's health and I want to be seen as a supporter of this change.”