ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 is urging food handlers and suppliers, particularly caterers, to prioritize hygiene during food preparation and cooking throughout the holiday season.
This guidance comes in response to a recent food poisoning affecting 25 students at West Visayas State University’s College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU CAF) in Barangay Jayobo, Lambunao, Iloilo.
Dr. Mary Jane Roches Juanico-Esteva, chief of the DOH-6 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, said food poisoning and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) are preventable through strict hygiene practices.
AGE, caused by consuming food or water contaminated with harmful microorganisms or their toxins, leads to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever and muscle aches.
In an interview with Panay News, Juanico-Esteva stressed the importance of regular handwashing, avoiding food preparation when sick, meticulous washing of vegetables, meats, and utensils, thorough cooking, and using clean water.
She also suggested using separate serving spoons for different dishes to minimize contamination and spoilage.
Juanico-Esteva noted that during the holidays, many households prepare various dishes, which are not always consumed immediately, leading to potential spoilage.
She advised being cautious in menu selection to avoid quickly perishable items and recommended sourcing food from reliable and trusted vendors.
She also emphasized the need for prompt medical attention at the nearest Rural Health Unit or health facility if experiencing stomach pain, particularly diarrhea, after eating during the holiday season.
In conjunction with promoting safe and healthy Christmas and New Year celebrations, DOH-6 recently launched a campaign focusing on healthy food preparation and discouraging the use of firecrackers.
The campaign includes guidelines for wearing masks if feeling unwell, selecting age-appropriate and safe gifts, maintaining mental health, adhering to balanced dietary practices, and encouraging physical activity.
Key guidelines include:
* wearing masks for those with symptoms or health risks
* choosing safe, developmentally suitable gifts for children
* prioritizing mental health through rest, social connections, and seeking help if needed
* eating a balanced diet, following “Pinggang Pinoy” guidelines
* drinking water, limiting sweetened and alcoholic beverages
* engaging in daily physical activity/PN
