BFAR reminds public to observe sanitary procedures in handling food

August 14, 2020

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reminded the public om Friday to observe proper sanitary practices in food handling and preparation as part of safety measure against coronavirus pandemic.

The BFAR issued its statement following report that novel coronavirus was found on the packaging of imported seafood that arrived from the port city of Yantai, China.

"According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there is no evidence to support transmission of the COVID-19 virus associated with food,"  BFAR said.

"However, for the safety  of consumers, it is advised that proper food handling practices be observed at all times," it added.

BFAR reiterated the advice of the Department of Health (DOH) that fresh food must be washed with clean running water before storage.

"Food must also be cooked thoroughly and kept at safe temperature before consumption," it added. Robina  Asido/DMS