28 October 2021, Cagayan de Oro City - By virtue of Proclamation No. 160 signed by former President Joseph Estrada on 16 August 1999 the Food Safety Awareness Week is being celebrated annually every last week of October with the theme of “Safe food today for a healthy tomorrow”.
Food safety is one of the primary concerns of the Department of Health to reduce the cases of foodborne illness and food poisoning which is one of the many public health problems in the Philippines. The week-long campaign aims to educate people and increase awareness of the importance of good hygiene and sanitary practices in food handling and food preparation to ensure clean and safe food.
According to the World Health Organization, food safety is everyone’s business. It is a shared responsibility that requires collaborative efforts by the government, food producers and consumers. Food safety, benefits individuals of all ages especially the vulnerable group which are the children, pregnant women and elderly.
Foodborne illness/diseases and food poisoning are caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, or chemical substances present in the food or water. Common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
Ensuring one’s health and safety well-being concerns us all. Thus, the National Nutrition Council has developed the “10 Kumainments”, containing key messages on health and nutrition, following the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos. Food safety is one of the key messages in the 10 Kumainments, particularly Kumainment No. 6: Sigurohang limpyo ug luwas ang atong pagkaon ug tubig. (Tiyaking malinis at ligtas ang ating pagkain o tubig/Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases).
To ensure that the food is clean and safe to be consumed, here are eight (8) useful tips that promote food safety:
- Always wash your hands before and after cooking.
- Ensure that the food preparation area is always kept clean.
- Cook food thoroughly at the right temperature.
- Separate kitchen utensils and ingredients.
- Store raw or cooked food properly at the right temperature.
- Always check expiration dates.
- Do not prepare food if sick.
- Have a good personal hygiene.
Therefore, it is in the hands of many to act and address this public health concern together as one to secure our health and well-being. (PNFP Lizelle Bete)
References:
L.H.P. (2016). Celebrating Food Safety Awareness Week: Top Kitchen Practices to Protect Yourself from Foodborne Illnesses. Celebrating Food Safety Awareness Week: Top Kitchen Practices to Protect Yourself from Foodborne Illnesses. Published.
World Health Organization. (2021). World Food Safety Day 2021 - Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow. World Food Safety Day 2021 - Safe Food Now for a Healthy Tomorrow. Published.
