By Jade Belen

The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) has reminded the public to be vigilant against food-borne diseases or food poisoning for the annual observance of All Saints' Day on November 1st.

"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 2 hours; and use safe water (or treat it to make it safe) and raw materials," said Dr. Evamarie V. Torio, Head, Infectious Disease Cluster-DOH CALABARZON.

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).

“Oras na panis na ang pagkain, posibleng kontaminado na ito ng mga [ Once the food is already spoiled, it is possible that it is already contaminated with] microorganism kabilang na ang [like] Staphylococcus Aureus with an incubation period of as fast as 30 minutes, maari din pong [also] Salmonella at [and] E. coli  ,” Dr. Torio added.

According to the DOH, if food poisoning is suspected, seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist or are severe.

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

However, 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," Dr. Torio concluded.

Also, the DOH advises the public to practice personal protective measures against Covid-19.

DOH CALABARZON Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia said to 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," he added.

Should the public need health assistance, Valencia said they can call DOH CALABARZON Hotlines : 09456372023; 09202510151; 4920000 loc 4446-4447.