TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — To ensure standardized food safety and cleanliness in food establishments, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has equipped food safety inspectors in Cagayan Valley on the use of food safety grading systems tools developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI).
Tourism Regional Director Troy Alexander Miano stated that the initiative reinforces the government’s commitment to public health and quality assurance within the food industry.
“This training is also part of the celebration of this year’s Filipino Food Month, emphasizing the importance of food safety in preserving and promoting Filipino cuisine,” Miano noted.
DOST Regional Director Virginia Bilgera highlighted the crucial role of food safety in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
She added that the initiative reflects the dedication of the DOT, DOST, and FNRI to ensure compliance with food safety standards and enhance consumer confidence in the region’s food industry.
The training included the presentation of the Food Inspection Checklist (FIC) and a code of standards, providing participants with a clear framework for evaluating food establishments.
Additionally, the operations manual and protocols for conducting risk-based inspections were discussed. A hands-on demonstration of risk-based inspection using the FIC offered participants practical insights into food safety assessment.
Participants also engaged in a mock inspection at selected food establishments to practice their food safety inspection skills. (OTB/PIA Region 2 with reports from DOT)
