In this current pandemic setting, one of the things that we miss are the delectable street foods we eat after school, work, or even after running an errand.
Street foods serve as one of the convenient and affordable foods accessible to many. They play a significant role in the diet as they are consumed regularly and consistently among all income groups, particularly the poor urban population.
Since street foods are easily found and are cheap while maintaining an image of uniqueness and being a national delicacy, street foods are one of those types of food that not only the locals but the tourists want to try for the sake of experience or curiosity. Also, aside from being just a source of something to fill the stomach, street foods are becoming a form of tourism advertisement and identity in particular regions or places to attract foreign tourists.
When visiting a new place, the best way to learn about its food culture is to walk around the streets. They are popular among people from different walks of life, particularly among those on a restricted budget.
Furthermore, while feasting on delectable Filipino food on the streets would be a fantastic adventure, keep in mind that street foods are renowned for creating stomach problems. If you want to add enjoyment to street Filipino food, bring your circle of friends and have fun.
However, before you indulge in them, make sure you observe how the vendor suits himself/herself up being the one who prepares the food and check also how he/she handles your food. It's also crucial to keep an eye on the sauce container because some folks have a terrible habit of biting into their meal skewer and then dipping it back into the sauce.
Eating street foods may be cheap, but some dangers go along with it which can cause health problems. Hence, Republic Act No. 10611 was issued, otherwise known as the “Food Safety Act of 2013”. The law aims to protect the health of the consumers and to facilitate the access of local foods and food products in the market to help strengthen the food safety regulatory system in the country.
The significance of R.A. 10611 includes: (a) serves as a legislative framework for the formulation and implementation of food safety rules as it is critical for achieving a high level of consumer health protection when eating food sold in markets and maintaining fair commerce; (b) develops and implements food safety regulations with the use of science and/or risk analysis; (c) controls hazards in the food chain by adapting a farm to fork preventive approach; (d) provides precautionary measures while waiting for adequate scientific data in analyzing risks; (e) adopts the international standards, namely, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the other countries and international organizations; (f) and emphasize food safety as the fundamental responsibility of the private sector (food business operators) for safe food.
Street foods identify us as Filipinos, but we must always be cautious so as we will not compromise our health for this hearty food culture. (Article/Infographics by CMU BSND OJT Lorry Jane G. Rumbines)
References:
FDA. (2013). Food Safety Control System in the Philippines. Retrieved from Food_Safety_Control_System_in_the_Philippines.pdf
GovPh. (2015). Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10611. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/02/20/implementing-rules-and-regulations-of-republic-act-no-10611/
Hammer, K. (2018). Filipino Food: Get into the streets: A Filipino Street Food Adventure. Retrieved from https://everything-filipino.com/filipino-food-get-into-the-streets-a-filipino-street-food-adventure/
