DOST-FNRI shares safety tips on online food deliveries
Do you like buying cooked foods from different food businesses via online?
Online food delivery is “on the go,” and because of its convenience, it has dramatically boomed during this pandemic. Also, you can easily order food through various online applications without risking your health.
However, be critical when buying cooked or fresh foods through online platforms to avoid contracting foodborne diseases.
Foodborne diseases are caused by contamination of food and food products and can occur at any stage of the food production, delivery, and consumption chain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Common symptoms of foodborne illness are diarrhea and/or vomiting, typically lasting from one to seven days. Here are some tips when ordering food online:
For consumers:
- Buy cooked foods from well-known food businesses. Better if it has business and health permits.
- Be sure to wash your hands after accepting the food delivery.
- Provide a place in your home where foods purchased online can be stored.
- Transfer purchased foods online in a clean container, and throw away the packages especially if these are not recyclable or washable with soap and water.
- Reheat purchased cooked food to ensure its safety.
- Immediately consume purchased cooked food online. The food lasts only for two hours at room temperature.
For online business owners:
- Ensure food safety of the food prepared and sold to customers.
- Practice standard food safety practices like washing of hands, wearing a face mask, a hair net, and an apron. Use only fresh ingredients and clean used utensils thoroughly.
As stated in the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) developed by a Technical Working Group led by the DOST-FNRI: “Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food-and water-borne diseases”.
Make sure to eat nutritious and safe foods to avoid sickness during this pandemic. Stay safe!!!
