‘Bohol Food Safety Team’ insures

Int’l standards for clean food here

TAGBILARAN CITY, April 20, (PIA) – With the tourism boom igniting the interests of those in the food processing sector to feed tourists and supply their pasalubong needs, the government steps in to assure food safety.

The proactive Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Region 7 re-launched April 17, during the Opening ceremonies of the Central Visayas Regional Science and Technology Week, the re-comprised Bohol Food Safety Team (BSFT).

This would ensure that local food processes, especially those that serve the tourism market, toe the line of international food safety standards and preparation protocols, in food and food products.

Here, the DOST through the Provincial Science and Technology Office, “with Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the AFOS Foundation cooked a system that would ensure all food sold for consumption follows the rigorous international food safety preparations protocols and standards,” according to Bohol PSTO Vina Antopina, during the recent Kapihan sa PIA.

This concerted effort highlights the stakeholders’ commitment to prioritize public health and elevate Bohol's stature as a haven for both gastronomic delights and immersive cultural experiences through synergistic collaboration and steadfast dedication to excellence.

Presented during the ceremonies were the BFST’s 10 experts across the various competencies in the field of food safety.

These include Charlene Salarda (BISU), Doris Isabel Racho (ATI), Karen Ann Tejada (Animal Sciences), Reynaldo delos Santos (nutritionist), Joanna Mangyao (TESDA Food Technologist), Jennybel Melendez (UB), Charina Narido (HNU BS Bio), Jessie Kevin Arcadiio (HNU), and Edeliza Zamora and Aresa Mae Pamaos (sanitary inspectors).

“These individuals underwent mentorship from DOST-VII food safety specialists to augment their competencies and knowledge, ensuring alignment with rigorous food safety protocols,” Antopina said.

The BFST re-launch followed an advanced food training in safety, including Basic Food Hygiene, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Food Safety Management System (FSMS), as pre-requisites for membership in the BFST, explains DOST 7’s Assistant Regional Director Dr. Tristan Abando, himself a food safety expert.

The development came in time when Bohol eyes at developing its not-so-known culinary delights and supporting its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in this niche sector.

The DOST said their wish is to empower them to contribute towards regional development.

Already established years back lending to Bohol the acclaim as the first province to establish a local food safety team from concerned government agencies, the member’s eventual retirements and cessation of engagements with their offices bogged the team’s operations, Antopina said.

Through this initiative, the team seeks to bolster the province's burgeoning tourism industry by championing and enforcing stringent food safety standards.

By reinforcing the food safety infrastructure and aiding food establishments in upholding these standards, the BFST aspires to instill consumer confidence, elevate the caliber of the local food industry, and foster the economic prosperity and sustainability of Bohol.

With the team now trained to impose food safety regulations, they can help MSMEs in training, technical advisory, and consultancy services to food enterprises throughout Bohol.

“This is a nice move from the government, for the safety of tourists, and locals who frequent nice places, for if we have tasty and safe food, this helps propel our tourism promotions,” says Godelia Lumugdang, retired tourism officer and aan adventure traveler.

“It could become a plus factor for drawing in tourists, as in my opinion, destinations: good safe and delicious food, beautiful sites, nice accommodation and friendly courteous staff must go together in tourism,” she added.

With the BFST in place, up in their timelines are trainings and technical assistance to food sector producers, with the DOST keeping track of potential MSMEs for small enterprise technology upgrading project (SET-UP).

With the team now enforcing the good food safety practices, their certification now becomes a requirement before getting a License to Operate from the Food and Drugs Authority before they can operate, undertake trade and carry out its business activities. (rahc/PIA_7/Bohol)

UNIMPEACHABLE EXPERTISE. Agriculturists, fish and livestock technicians, college instructors, food technicians and sanitary inspectors still trained with the DOST to upgrade their stock knowledge and use it to implement good food manufacturing processes as members of the Bohol Food Safety team. (PIA/ Bohol)