ANGARA REMINDS FILIPINOS TO BE CONSCIOUS ABOUT
FOOD SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Senator Edgardo J. Angara today said that Filipinos should be conscious about food safety and enhance consumer awareness especially during the holiday season, and called for regular monitoring of consumer food items by relevant government agencies.

"In the Christmas rush, food safety is the last thing on people's minds. But we cannot compromise food safety and our health. We should remind the public that efforts must be exerted to ensure that all this festivity comes with safety," said Angara who chairs the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.

He added, "Government should ensure that all fronts are covered when it comes to food safety. Collaboration of agencies such as the Department of Health through Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Customs (BoC) and also Local Government Units should be maintained to ensure food safety."

During Christmas Season, food demand spikes in anticipation of the traditional holiday feasts of Noche Buena and Media Noche during Christmas' Eve and New Year's Eve respectively. Demand for fruits and traditional New Year's bounty mainstays like ham and Quezo de Bola likewise increase during this season.

According to statistics, Christmas is a season when prices normally spike by at least three to five percent due to increased demand. This can become a reason for families to opt for cheap and questionable food items.

"Filipino consumers, armed with adequate information and secured with proper regulatory atmosphere from the Government, could celebrate Christmas free from food safety concerns. Consumers, however, must be extra careful on what they buy and eat in this Yuletide season," added Angara. (30)