CEBU, Philippines — Following the celebration of Food Safety Awareness Week in the country, food vendors, sanitary inspectors, and barangay health officers gather together to gain insights and strengthen public health and increase awareness of food safety.
The Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) along with Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-7, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7, and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-7 hosted an educational forum at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday to promote safe food handling and address the health risks linked to improper practices among ambulant vendors.
Lapu-Lapu City Health Officer, Dr. Agnes Realiza, said that the importance of food safety in enhancing community well-being means prioritizing safety in protecting children, families, and neighbors, ultimately promoting a healthier, more resilient community.
“Let us commit to these practices not because it is required but because they reflect our collective dedication to well-being,” said Realiza.
Realiza also emphasized the severe consequences of not following food safety protocols, particularly among street vendors and small food businesses.
Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), street foods are often perceived to be a major public health risk due to unsafe food handling. Contaminated food can trigger rapid outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, overwhelming local hospitals and clinics with patients.
In addition, a domino effect to the economy was also seen since foodborne illness outbreaks can damage the reputation of local businesses, from vendors to restaurants, leading to disruptions in the food supply chain and financial losses due to reduced consumer confidence.
Meanwhile, microbiologist Elsie Gatpayat, Managing Director of Food Safety and Hygiene Academy of the Philippines (FoodSHAP), addressed the knowledge gap among street vendors and ambulant food handlers by providing training on safe practices and workplace hygiene.
Practical steps, such as the use of aprons, hairnets, gloves, and masks, are being promoted to reduce food contamination.
Sanitation is especially important in areas where vendors sell food by the roadside. It’s essential to ensure that utensils like forks and spoons are clean, the eating area is sanitized before and after meals, and that the water used is clean.
These cleanliness practices not only help vendors improve the reputation of their food business but also enhance product quality, and build consumer trust, leading to higher sales and a safer working environment.
In implementing rules and regulations, Ferdinand Tipaet, the division chief of environmental and sanitation at the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office, stated that their role to implement sanitary requirements for ambulant vendors is with its objective to maintain public health without putting financial strain on vendors.
“Wa kaayo nato gi lisod lisod ang requirements kay they are just earning a small amount of money and they are part of the community,” said Tipaet.
For ambulant vendors, they are required to get barangay business clearance and attend a food ambulant orientation.
On the other hand, for those operating food stall facilities, they are required to have a regular business permit, sanitary permit which encompasses inspection fee, garbage fee, ventilation fee, fire clearance as well as health cards.
The inspections conducted quarterly by sanitary inspectors are in compliance with Republic Act No. 10611, the Food Safety Act of 2013. —/FPL (FREEMAN)