Calling health inspectors

In the distant past, we would see health inspectors doing the rounds of public markets and eateries, making sure sanitation rules were implemented by all vendors. We don’t see them anymore. Perhaps the areas have grown so large that an encounter with them has become impossible. Or have they reneged on their duties?

Recently, we received an email from an apparent frequent mall-goer, Rosario Lazaro. Sounding irritated and disappointed, she said the observation she brought up to the management of a major mall a year ago has remained unacted upon or ignored. The legitimate observation (complaint really) was about servers in the food stalls at the theater area and in the basement fast food section not wearing the mandatory hairnets. During a very recent visit, in both places, there were at least five stalls where women staff were not wearing hairnets. Two were even brushing their hair in full view of customers!

She cited the Code for Sanitation contained in Presidential Decree 856  which was promulgated by Malacañang on Dec. 22, 1975. Section 19 defines the role of the Department of Health, provincial and local health officials in monitoring  compliance with sanitation rules regarding cooked food. Section 29 specifically mandates that all staff servicing ready-to-eat food must wear hairnets. Needless to say, they are not allowed to brush their hair while working. The authorities have to make their inspection every six months, which to us seems too long. By the time the inspector comes back, who knows, some diners might have already suffered illness from contaminated food.

The PD also decrees that all who seek work in these areas must possess and present health certificates prior to employment. We also wonder if the stall owners  follow this. Failure to strictly adhere to sanitation rules will cause the termination of the vendors’ licenses.

Now, we reiterate our call to health inspectors to be more visible at food courts, etc. Note that ambulant food vendors and those doing business from vehicles parked along sidewalks are also covered by these regulations.

Here’s to good health!

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