People visit Greenhills Night Market as it opened on November 4, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — This holiday season, a nutritionist shares food handling tips to help prevent food-borne illnesses and ensure safe and healthy celebrations.

Carmela Taob, a nutritionist and a member of the faculty of the UP College of Home Economics, stressed the importance of prioritizing food safety during festive feasts. 

“Unang-una, isipin na muna natin ano 'yung source ng pagkain natin. Saan ba siya binibili?” she said.

(First of all, we have to think about the source of our food. Where do we buy it?)

Taob explained that ensuring food safety begins with the source of ingredients, especially fresh and raw meat, and how these are stored.

“Kung mainit 'yung panahon tapos hindi siya nakalagay sa bed of ice, hindi napapanatiling chilled 'yung temperature, so medyo mahirap ‘yun. Medyo compromised na yung food natin.”

(If the weather is hot and the meat is not on a bed of ice, that would compromise our food)

Proper food handling is crucial in preventing cross-contamination, a common cause of foodborne illness. 

PROPER FOOD PREPARATION

“In cases na wala tayong madaming chopping board, unahin muna natin yung mga gulay tapos last natin yung mga karne. But make sure that in between, you wash yung chopping board. Medyo hassle kaya mas maganda kung iba-iba yung chopping boards natin,” she advised. 

(It is better to have more than one chopping board, but if you only have one, chop your vegetables before your meat. But make sure you wash between uses)

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She also emphasized the need for separate utensils when preparing food to prevent bacterial transfer.

WATCH FOOD TEMPERATURE

Taob explained that foods left in the “temperature danger zone” — between 40°F and 140°F (around room temperature) for more than four hours — increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

Bacteria thrive in this temperature range, multiplying rapidly and leading to food spoilage.

For caterers, Carmela recommended using food thermometers for large-scale cooking and serving.

Maintaining the right temperature throughout the serving process is key. 

“Kung mag-advance prep ka, gamitin yung chafing dish na may apoy sa ilalim para mapanatili yung init ng pagkain. Rule is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.”

(If you are doing advanced prep, us a chafing dish to keep food warm)

For home cooks, Carmela highlighted the importance of cooking food to the correct internal temperature. 

“For chicken, the required internal temperature is 165°F. Well, the best is may thermometer para ma-measure mo talaga,” she noted. 

While visual cues, such as color, smell, and texture, can be helpful, she advised using a thermometer ensures food is cooked safely and thoroughly.

Carmela also urged caution about the rapid spoilage of certain foods, especially those with high-acid ingredients like tomatoes, unprocessed coconut milk, and other dairy products. 

“Be careful lang kasi sila yung mas mabilis. Favorite din kasi sila ng mga bacteria,” she explained.

(Just be careful because these spoil easily and bacteria love them)