The Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6) recently announced a steep decline in the number of recorded food poisoning cases, citing a total 297 cases in 2017, resulting in one death; as compared to 790 last year, leading to four fatalities.

The agency called on the public to adhere to proper food handling in order to avoid future cases.

Earlier this year, the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance requiring food vendors to acquire a Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) health card.

The ordinance sought to “prevent foodborne and waterborne illnesses.”

Last year, when 145 Handumanan Elementary School students were hospitalized after experiencing stomach aches, nausea, and vomiting, the CHO conducted a seminar on food sanitation; along with a basic food handling course in all of Bacolod City’s school districts./PLL, WDJ