Cebu City -The National Nutrition Council 7 of the Department of Health reminds the public to make sure that the food in your plate is safe. Unsafe food or food containing bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances can lead to a range of health problems such as diarrhoeal disease, viral disease (the first Ebola cases were linked to contaminated bush meat); reproductive and developmental problems and cancers.  Foodborne and waterborne diarrhoeal diseases kill an estimated 2 million people annually including many children.

Foodborne diseases may result from eating food from an animal or plant that has been infected with disease–causing organisms; food that has been contaminated by microorganisms transmitted by insects, flies, roaches or rodents; food that has been in contact with sewage-polluted water; food that has been contaminated by food handlers who have not observed good personal hygiene; or food that contains toxic substances, which maybe naturally occurring or added accidentally or unintentionally. NNC 7 reminds the public to follow Kumainment No. 6 “Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases. Particulary, keep your food clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook food thoroughly, keep food at safe temperatures; drink safe water; practice good personal hygiene; practice environmental hygiene and sanitation; clean and sanitize food preparation area, practice pest control; and practice safe food storage, handling, preparation and service. 

While enjoying your food, never neglect in keeping them clean and safe. //Summer O. Allanic – NNC 7 CEC Intern