ANGELES CITY -- Health officials here belied reports that they are overcharging the seminar fee to businessmen who are set to attend the “Basic Food Safety Certification Course” scheduled this month.
Allan Cunanan, chief of the Environmental Health Services Division of the City Health Office (CHO), clarified that the P2,500 seminar fee will cover the participants’ snacks (morning and afternoon), lunch, training materials, manual, handouts and certificate of attendance.
Cunanan said that part of the fee was also set aside for the transportation of the traders to and from the Mekeni Food Corporation’s (MFC) processing plant in Barangay Balubad, Porac town.
He said the ocular visit will be included in the two-day certification course to give the participants a chance to see the operations of food processing firm.
Cunanan said that the scheduled seminar on September 18 and 19 will be cancelled as they are looking for another venue that will be conducive to the participants.
Pursuant to City Ordinance 326, series 2012 also known as "An Ordinance Enacting the Sanitation Code of Angeles City," all owners and/or operators of food establishments are required to attend a seminar on food safety which is a prerequisite in securing sanitary permit.
"This regulating strategy was developed to guarantee that all foods being processed, cooked and served on food establishments are wholesome, free from contamination, and are of good quality to safeguard the health of the consuming public," Cunanan said.
"In addition, the seminar also meant to increase awareness about food safety, and consequently to reduce the occurrence of food borne illnesses among consumers," he added.
Topics for the two-day seminar include National Laws and Local Ordinances Concerning Food Establishments, Basic Food Microbiology, Sanitation Process, Food Establishment Equipment and Facilities, Water Sanitation/Water Analysis on Food Establishments, Food Handlers Personal Hygiene, Fundamentals of Food Sanitation, Integrated Pest Management, Conduct of Inspection and Health Certificate Requirements.