DOH

DOH Calabarzon warns vs food poisoning during ‘Undas’ 2022

October 18, 2022 Yvonne P. Cervantes 637 views

THIS early, the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) is reminding the public to be vigilant against food-borne diseases or food poisoning for the annual observance of All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

Dr. Evamarie V. Torio, head of Infectious Disease Cluster-DOH Calabarzon, reminded the public to practice proper sanitation during food preparation.

“Keep clean, wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation; separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods; cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood; keep food at safe temperatures, do not leave cooked food room temperature for more than two hours; and use safe water (or treat it to make it safe) and raw materials,” she said.

Food-borne Diseases (food poisoning) are a group of diseases caused by infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and non-infectious agents (chemicals, animal and plant toxins).

Torio stressed that spoiled foods are at risk for microorganism contamination that could cause diseases.

“Oras na panis na ang pagkain, posibleng kontaminado na ito ng mga microorganism kabilang na ang Staphylococcus Aureus with an incubation period of as fast as 30 minutes maaari din pong Salmonella at E. coli,” she said.

The DOH called on the public to seek immediate attention if symptoms persist or are severe if food poisoning is suspected.

Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and most suffer from diarrhea.

However, the DOH said that with the pandemic still raging, it would be better not to stay in the cemetery for too long.

“Instead of bringing cooked food, you can bring light snacks such as bread, biscuits, sweets, clean drinking water, and fruits with skins such as bananas, oranges, apples, oranges, and lansones,” Torio said.

Meanwhile, DOH Calabarzon Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia advised the public to practice personal protective measures against COVID-19 during their visit to cemeteries.

“Always remember that the virus remains, and we should protect ourselves and the people around us by wearing face masks, practicing hand hygiene, social distancing, and proper cough etiquette.

For those who have yet to receive their Primary Vaccines or Booster dose, please visit the nearest vaccination site in your area,” Valencia said.

“Undas, or All Saints’ Day, is a traditional Filipino celebration on November 1st. It is a day to remember deceased friends and family members and is filled with unique traditions that help Filipinos celebrate their ancestors. Hangad po ng DOH ang isang ligtas at disease-free na annual observance ng All Saints’ Day bilang pag-alala sa ating mga yumaong mahal sa buhay. Gamitin natin ang araw na ito para maglaan ng oras kasama ang kani-kanilang pamilya,” he added.

DOH Calabarzon hotlines are available should the public need health assistance: 0945 6372023; 0920 2510151; 492-0000 loc 4446-4447.