DOH issues tips to avoid food poisoning

MANILA, Philippines – Following the food poisoning incident at a school in Makati City, the Department of Health (DOH) has advised school administrators to secure a health certificate for food handlers working in school canteens.

Health Secretary Janette Garin said school officials must ensure that their canteen personnel have certificates from city or municipal health offices. 

“They have to ensure that processed products served in school canteens are not expired,” Garin said.

More than 120 students of the Pio Del Pilar Elementary School fell ill on Thursday allegedly due to food poisoning. 

Garin said the DOH is coordinating with the school officials regarding the incident.  

Samples of food sold at the school canteen were collected for laboratory analysis, she said.

She added that canteen employees should observe proper sanitation and hygiene when preparing food to prevent contamination. 

“Raw ingredients such as meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, vegetables and fruits must be fresh and cooked properly before serving. During storage and preparation, raw food and cooked food must be separated to avoid contamination,” Garin said.

The health secretary reminded school administrators to ensure cleanliness when preparing and serving food.

Garin said canteen personnel should wear hairnets and masks during food preparation.

She said kitchen areas should be protected from insects, pests and other animals. Placing pesticides in the kitchen should be avoided while cleaning chemicals must be kept away from food and placed in proper containers with labels, Garin said.

“Utensils must be washed and sanitized before using. Food handlers should wash their hands before preparing food,” she said.