Health World News and Features

Illness due to contaminated food is one of the most widespread yet preventable health concerns, the World Health Organization said as it issued Ten Golden Rules for Safe Food Preparation to correct common errors the preparation of food.

In infants, children, immuno-compromised people, pregnant women, and the elderly, the consumption of contaminated food can result in life-endangering food-borne ailments and food handling is largely responsible for the occurrence of food-borne diseases.

The WHO list was held significant in the wake of the recent tragedy that befell 28 schoolchildren in Bohol who died from food poisoning after partaking of snacks bought from street vendors.

To reduce significantly the risk of food-borne pathogens, the WHO issued the following rules for safe food preparation:

1. Choose food processed for safety (i.e. choose pasteurized over raw milk etc.).
2. Cook food thoroughly.
3. Eat cooked food immediately. The preparation of food several hours before consumption is discouraged because it favors the growth of bacteria and/or the formation of toxins.
4. Store cooked foods carefully.
5. Reheat cooked foods thoroughly. Insufficient cooking or preheating favors the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
6. Avoid contact between raw and cooked foods.
7. Wash hands repeatedly. Proper personal hygiene must be observed by all food handlers.
8. Keep all kitchen surfaces meticulously clean.
9. Protect foods from insects, rodents, and other animals.
10. Use safe water.


-CHRISTINA I. HERMOSO, Manila Bulletin