TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol  (PIA) -- With the boom in Bohol’s tourism industry attracting the interest of those in the food processing sector, the government has implemented measures to ensure food safety in the province. 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 7 recently re-launched the Bohol Food Safety Team (BFST) to ensure that local food processes, especially those that serve the tourism market, strictly follow international food safety standards and preparation protocols.

The team is composed of local experts across various competencies in the field of food safety.

They are Charlene Salarda (Bohol Island State University), Doris Isabel Racho (Agricultural Training Institute), Karen Ann Tejada (Animal Sciences), Reynaldo delos Santos (nutritionist), Joanna Mangyao (TESDA food technologist), Jennybel Melendez (University of Bohol), Charina Narido (Holy Name University), Jessie Kevin Arcadio (Holy Name University), and Edeliza Zamora and Aresa Mae Pamaos (sanitary inspectors).

The BFST members were presented during the opening ceremonies of the Central Visayas Regional Science and Technology Week conducted by DOST7 in Bohol. 

According to DOST Bohol provincial science and technology officer Vina Antopina, the team members are expected to enforce stringent food safety standards.

“These individuals underwent mentorship from DOST7 food safety specialists to augment their competencies and knowledge, ensuring alignment with rigorous food safety protocols,” Antopina said during a recent Kapihan sa PIA Bohol program. 

The members have earlier participated in advanced training in food safety, such as Basic Food Hygiene, Good Manufacturing Practices, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, and Food Safety Management System. 

“These are prerequisites for membership in the BFST,” said DOST7 assistant regional director Dr. Tristan Abando. 

Antopina said the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier partnered with AFOS Foundation to establish a system that would ensure that all food sold for consumption in the province follows rigorous international food safety preparation protocols and standards.

A certification from BFST is now required before a food business can get a License to Operate from the Food and Drugs Authority.

BFST re-launch

The BFST was first launched in July 2008 as a project of the Integrated Technology System & Support Amenities for Food Enterprises (ITS SAFE). 

It was then considered the first provincial food safety team in the country that has undergone a series of rigid trainings conducted by DOST7. 

“The members’ eventual retirements and cessation of engagements with their offices eventually bogged the team’s operations,” explained Antopina.

The BFST’s re-launch comes at a time when Bohol is developing its culinary industry by supporting  the local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in this niche sector.

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, said Antopina. 

Tasty, safe food

For retired tourism officer and traveler Godelia Lumugdang, the move to re-launch BFST is one way to ensure the safety not only of tourists but the locals as well. 

“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,” said Lumugdang.

She said this will also be an advantage in promoting the island to attract more tourists to come to Bohol. 

“It could become a plus factor for drawing in tourists. In my opinion, good, safe, and delicious food, beautiful sites, nice accommodation and friendly courteous staff must go together in tourism,” she added.  (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)