DOH reminds public: Be careful with handling, serving food

The Department of Health (DOH) reiterated Friday the importance of food safety after over a hundred students in Makati City were downed by suspected food poisoning.

At least, 133 students from Gen. Pio del Pilar Elementary School were treated for suspected food poisoning on Thursday after eating food bought from the school canteen.

READ: Food poisoning downs 133 Makati pupils

“DOH is closely coordinating with the City Health Office of Makati in monitoring the affected patients. Samples of food from the school canteen commonly taken by the patients were brought to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for further analysis.” Health Secretary Janette Garin said in a statement.

The DOH reminded school administrators to ensure cleanliness when preparing and serving food to their consumers.

The agency issued guidelines for proper food handling.

• Kitchen areas should be protected from insects, pests, and other animals.

• Avoid placing pesticides around the kitchen to kill indoor insects and rodent pests.

• Cleaning chemicals must be kept away from food and must be placed in proper containers with labels.

• Utensils must be washed and sanitized before using.

Food handlers should wash their hands before preparing and serving food to their customers, the agency said.

“They are also reminded to stay home when sick so they will not contaminate the food being served. Hair nets and masks are also required during food preparation,” DOH said.

READ: DOH at LGUs, dapat na magtulungan laban sa food poisoning

Garin advised school administrators to require health certificate issued by City or Municipal Health Officers to food handlers, employed in school canteens.

“They have to ensure that processed products being served are new and far from its expiration date,” the health official said.

She added that raw ingredients like meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, vegetable and fruits must be fresh and cooked properly before serving to customers.

During storage and preparation, she said raw food and cooked food must be separated to avoid contamination.

“Pinapaalahanan natin ang mga nakatatanda na maging maingat sa inihahain o ibinibigay sa ating mga estudyante. Ang paaralan ay itinuturing nilang pangalawang tahanan. Bukod sa edukasyon, pangalagaan natin ang kanilang kalusugan na kayamanan na maibabahagi sa kanilang kinabukasan,” she said.

(We remind the adults to be careful with what they are preparing and serving the students. They consider schools as their second home. Aside from ensuring they get quality education, we must also make sure they stay healthy to help them have a better future.)

Operations from the said canteen are currently suspended for further investigation. IDL