Handlers attend orientation on food safety

CEBU, Philippines - In observance of the Food Safety Awareness Week, the Department of Health-7 conducted a one-day orientation among food handlers from the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu; as well as from Cordova town.           

Engr. Evangeline Cañoneo, Environmental Health Program coordinator of DOH-7, reiterated on the need to observe proper procedures in food preparation to avoid food-borne and water-borne ailments caused by bacterial and viral contamination or the presence of parasites and other agents such as chemicals, animals and plant toxins.

She said that common causes of food and water-borne diseases include the unsafe sources of drinking water, improper disposal of human waste, unhygienic practices like spitting anywhere, blowing or picking of the nose; and unsafe food handling and preparation practices, as in what is reportedly observed in preparing street foods.

The Food Safety Awareness Week from October 19 to 23 is one way of encouraging food handlers in advocating for food safety, most especially in the operations of carenderias, office cafeterias and school canteens, to promote public health and nutrition. — Johanna T. Natavio/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)