Food safety awareness week is celebrated every fourth week of October. This aims to increase awareness on the importance of safe and clean food. This celebration was proclaimed in August 1999 and signed by President Joseph Estrada, by virtue of Proclamation No. 160.

Food-borne diseases or food poisoning affects anyone especially those who belong to vulnerable groups such as infants, young children, pregnant women, elderly and those with underlying diseases. According to World Health Organization in 2015, almost 1 in 10 people become ill from eating contaminated food and this leads to 420,000 deaths yearly. About 125,000 children aged 5 and below dies from foodborne diseases every year. South-East Asia Region where the Philippines belong, has the second highest burden of foodborne diseases per population.

Contamination can happen from production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Food handling is very crucial in these stages in the prevention of foodborne illnesses. The role of food producer is very significant since majority of foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning, diarrhea, cholera and others, are caused by improper food preparation.  Everyone especially food handlers must understand and be knowledgeable on food safety practices from buying, selling, preparation and distribution of food to protect their health and the consumer. Below are some food safety tips in preparation of food:

• Wash hands and surfaces frequently – wash hands for 20 seconds using soap and water after, before, during and after food preparation and before eating. Ensure that kitchen equipment and utensils are clean
• Wash fresh fruits and vegetables under running water to remove dirt and residues from fertilizers
• Separate raw foods such as meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from dry and ready to eat foods to avoid cross contamination
• Cook foods to the right temperature to ensure that microorganisms that may cause diseases are killed.
• Store foods properly. Separate dry and wet goods in storing.
• Leftover foods must be stored in refrigerator. Heat it thoroughly if to be consumed. Remember that leftover foods should not be reheated twice and must be consumed immediately.
• Use proper food preparation clothes such as apron, gloves, facemask, hairnet and others especially when cooking for many people.

Food-borne diseases are preventable, and everyone has a role to play. People must understand how to handle food properly from production to consumption. Everyone must have a safe, nutritious and sufficient food to achieve a healthy life. – Frances Vea Valdez

Source:

 https://www.lhprime.com/news/celebrating-food-safety-awareness-week-top-kitchen-practices-protect-foodborne-illnesses/

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/keep-food-safe.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Ffeatures%2Fbefoodsafe%2Findex.html