Agri 10 spearheads a training highlighting the importance of food safety and regulations for the FCAs regionwide.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To heighten the importance of food safety and regulations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently conducted training for farmer cooperatives, associations (FCAs), in this city.

Around 41 participants coming from the FCAs regionwide who are beneficiaries of the Enhanced Kadiwa financial grant attended said activity to gain knowledge on proper food handling practices and to become more aware of foods carrying higher risks for foodborne illnesses.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the training is anchored on Republic Act No. 10611 or otherwise known as the “Food Safety Act of 2013”, which defines food as any substance or product whether processed, partially processed or unprocessed that is intended for human consumption.

At the onset of the pandemic, FCAs have revitalized the Kadiwa, a market system selling major agricultural commodities and other food products at reasonable prices to aid Filipino households.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said, that the capabuild will further equip them with basic food safety knowledge and importantly, work with food in a safe and hygienic manner.

She added that eventually, their agri produce and its by-products can compete both locally and globally in the market.

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) Senior Science Research Specialist, John Gregory V. Aquino discussed the Philippine National Standards on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) and Good Aquaculture Practices (GAqP).

On the other hand, BAFS Science Research Specialist Jan Vincent Tecson tackled on food safety issues in agriculture and fishery products, while BAFS Science Research Specialist Melissa L. Astillero talked on the microbiological hazards in fruits and vegetables.#(MPMTablon)