LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A proposed law in Benguet’s capital town is seeking to mandate all food service establishments and the like to use safety and protective safety and protective food wear in handling of food to the public within the municipality.
Authored by Councilor Horacio Ramos, the proposed ordinance was crafted after the influx of business establishments, stalls and ambulant vendors in various places in the municipality mostly near school premises.
The selling of food items and providing services to the public caused concerns and awareness from consumers regarding the sanitary condition of their food products and as well as their sources, according to Ramos.
Ramos said the general welfare of the public has been taken into consideration in the crafting of the ordinance adding “public interest dictates the necessity of the La Trinidad municipal government to enact measures to improve the delivery of basic services by promoting a healthy and safe environment for all.”
The alderman added the proposed ordinance will compel the use protective wear such as hair nets, gloves, face masks and aprons will be mandated to be worn by all food handlers and will be implemented by the Municipal Health Office.
The law covers all business establishments involved in food preparation and food service organizations such as hotels, restaurants, catering services, commercial kitchens, stalls, canteens and ambulant vendors.
The local law has been forwarded to the Provincial Board and was given a favorable review by the Committee on Health and Sanitation headed by Board Member Esteban Piok.