The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, Dec.15, cautioned the public from bringing home food from Christmas parties.
In a press briefing, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa stressed the need to practice food safety during the holiday celebrations in order to avoid food poisoning
"Naluto na iyan, tapos i-reheat iyan. Usually, the caterers will cook that at early morning or the night before and they will be reheated right before us," Herbosa said.
He also stressed some food spoil easily.
"Dapat intelligent ka rin kung ano ang i-take home mo, yung foods that will last kasi there are food that are ready to spoil even a few hours after it has been served," the DOH chief added.
Herbosa also urged party-goers to also consider other factors, including food handling, and food storage.
"Meron tayong serving spoons pero kapag nahawakan iyan, the chances of it being contaminated by bacteria becomes higher. Even if reheated, kung mataas yung bacterial content, magkakaroon ka ng food poisoning," he explained.
The Health secretary advised the public to throw away food that already smells bad, or if they observe changes.
"If it doesn't look good, may tumubo something, throw it also to the waste can. Do no sacrifice yung health ninyo. Mauuwi kayo sa emergency department at mabubutas ang bulsa ninyo," Herbosa remarked.
