Negros Oriental Pushes New Food Safety Ordinance
A new food safety ordinance is being pushed by the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) to prevent food poisoning among locals and visitors. Dumaguete-base businessman Edward Du presented his proposal to the Dumaguete City Council during Tuesday’s committee hearing. The draft ordinance is to create a food safety standard to ensure protection from food-borne and water-borne illnesses.
New Food Safety Ordinance
During yesterday’s committee hearing, city councils are presented with a draft for a new food safety ordinance. Mr. Du hopes that the new decree be passed at the earliest possible time. Earlier than the holing of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) School Games (ASG) here in November 2022.
We are seeking this measure to avoid a repeat of the food poisoning incident during the Palarong Pambansa games held here in 2013 where some 100 athletes came down with symptoms after having consumed contaminated food,” Mr. Du said.
12th Asean School Games 2022
The Philippines will be hosting the 12th Asean School Games to be held in Dumaguete City. There will be 10 countries from the Asean participating in various sporting events. As of now, the rescheduling of the event is slated for November 19-27, 2022.
In recent events, Mr. Du noted the food poisoning of hundreds of students and adult family members in the town of Sta. Catalina after they drank bottled fresh milk that appeared to have been stale already. The milk was distributed through the Department of Education (DepEd) under its feeding program undertaken with the National Dairy Authority.
The business group is proposing that a safety seal be given to all food outlets, street food sellers, and even ambulant vendors, among others. The proposed measure is based on Republic Act 10611 or the “An Act to Strengthen the Food Safety Regulatory System in the Country to Protect Consumer Health and Facilitate Market Access of Local Foods and Food Products, and for Other Purposes”.
