THERE are 600 establishments nationwide that are pending inspection for a safety seal certification.

The safety seal certification is a voluntary certification scheme that affirms that an establishment is compliant with the minimum public health standards set by the government and uses or integrates its contact tracing with StaySafe.ph.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issues the safety seal for supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, membership shopping clubs, construction supply/hardware stores, logistics service providers, barbershops and salons and service and repair shops.

Interested business owners may visit dti.gov.ph/safetyseal while other business establishments may visit the website of the applicable issuing agency or the local government unit (LGU).

DTI Chief Ramon Lopez, in a Laging Handa public briefing, said they have issued safety seal certifications to 115 establishments while the applications of 105 establishments were disapproved due to the failure to follow the minimum health standard requirements.

“This is an ongoing inspection and approval. They can log on to the safety seal microsites and they can do self-assessment in the meantime. If they are confident that they can pass, they can now be inspected,” Lopez said.

An establishment can still operate without the safety seal since the safety seal program is only voluntary, but having one can assure the consumers and the general public that it is compliant with the minimum health protocols set by the government.

Lopez said through the safety seal certification the government aims to increase public confidence in businesses at this time of the pandemic—while also ensuring compliance with the minimum health protocols.

Requirements to apply for the safety seal are a valid mayor’s permit, registration with StaySafe.ph or LGU-mandated digital contact tracing app and compliance with minimum public health standards. (JOB)