City health shuts down masi maker

CEBU, Philippines - A delicacy manufacturer blamed for the food poisoning that downed at least 11 elementary pupils in Barangay Hipodromo, Cebu City last week has been closed by the City Health Department for lack of the necessary permit and adequate sanitation.

The closure order came after health inspectors found out during inspection last week that the masi (sweets made of sticky rice formed into balls mixed with peanuts or and/or puto or steamed rice cake) manufacturer in Barangay Duljo-Fatima did not have the required health tag, business permit, and sanitary permit.

 The masi, which was sold in schools, was blamed for the reported food poisoning in Hipodromo Elementary School. At least 11 students were admitted to the hospital after they complained of stomach pain, dizziness, and vomiting.

City health officer Dr. Daisy Villa said that the masi was only manufactured in the house of a sari-sari store owner in Duljo.

“Hugaw and unsanitary ang lugar. Dapat kadtong area nga gi-manufacturan dunay permits because it involves food preparations,” she said.

 The FREEMAN is withholding the name of the manufacturer pending comments on the city health findings.

 Romeo Lisondra, principal of Hipodromo Elementary School, assured that foods sold in their canteen are rich in vitamins and minerals.

 He said it was only an isolated case that one of the teachers bought food from Carbon. He said most of their food items were bought from a mall at the downtown area.

“Nipalit siya’g masi kay maayo man sad ang packaging and nakalusot sa canteen manager knowing nga approved sa Principal. Pero natilawan man sa canteen manager and nabantayan nga baho-baho gamay. Na-tintal ang teacher and timing pud nga wala ko kay seminar,” he said.

 Lisondra said the victims were granted special periodical exam because the dates they were hospitalized coincide with their examination period.

The health department also advised schools to regulate the entry of foods to protect children from possible food poisoning and other illnesses.

 On the other hand, CHD is urging the students to bring with them bottles of water after it found out that the coin-operated water dispenser known as ATM in the school was infected with total coliforms and e-coli. — (FREEMAN)