Aside from the games, one of the most anticipated aspects of any occasion is the food feast.
But appetites can be ruined when a sudden stomach ache strikes, just like what happened to Melanie after attending a street food party.
“Because if a mother gets sick, there’s no one to take care of the kids. When you get sick, your child can’t attend school,” said Melanie May-ag, Parent.
Having learned her lesson, and now spending quality time with her family on a picnic, Melanie made sure to be cautious in preparing food.
“You really need to prepare it well, and the environment should be safe too,” May-ag added.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, 1 in 10 people gets sick after consuming mishandled food or food that wasn’t properly prepared.
“It’s very important to focus on food preparation because that’s where it all goes back to. Also, we need to ensure the quality of the products we buy,” Diane Aurora Delizo, Medical Technologist II at DOH-CHD CAR.
Ensuring proper food preparation is crucial to avoid food and waterborne illnesses.
According to the Department of Health (DOH) Cordillera, typhoid or paratyphoid remains the leading disease linked to contaminated water and food.
From January to October, the agency recorded 2,632 cases, with 2 fatalities.
They’re also monitoring acute bloody diarrhea cases, with 546 recorded incidents.
“Our data is still okay, but we are anticipating an increase in food and waterborne diseases due to upcoming events like Undas. Filipinos love gatherings and food,” Engr. Benelyne Balag-ey, Nurse III, DOH-CHD CAR mentioned.
The DOH advises the public to ensure that food is cooked thoroughly, check the products they buy—especially the expiration dates—and avoid preparing food that spoils quickly, such as those with sauces and coconut milk, when going on picnics.
Most importantly, always wash your hands before and after eating.
**JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
