DOST-NCR Spearheads Food Safety Training for Health Facilities  

In-house Food Safety experts from DOST-NCR developed the module for the Training of Trainers on Food Safety in Hospital Setting which was conducted from April 7–11, 2025 at the National Center for Mental Health, City of Mandaluyong.   

Bringing together registered nutritionists who are members of the Department of Health-League of Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians, Inc. (DOH-LRNDI), this capacity-building activity was held to strengthen their capability to foster safe and hygienic food practices in healthcare facilities. This aligns with DOST-NCR’s advocacy of promoting food safety consciousness, especially in places with vulnerable population groups.     

Members of DOST-NCR’s Food Safety Unit designed the said module and served as Resource Speakers: Ms. Blaise Mansueto, Senior Science Research Specialist, led the sessions on Food Safety Hazards and Basic Food Hygiene, laying the groundwork for preventive practices in hospital food service.   Mr. Amiel Arguil, Registered Microbiologist and Senior Science Research Specialist, tackled Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), which highlighted the importance of cleanliness and compliance in food handling and preparation.  Mr. Carlos Antonio Peña, Professional Food Technologist (PFT) and Science Research Specialist II introduced the tools for operational efficiency and safety through 5S Productivity and Improvement and Good Warehouse Practices (GWP).     

Ms. Mansueto also facilitated the hands-on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Workshop, where the participants were divided into groups to develop and present their own HACCP plans tailored for hospital settings. The aim of the activity is to apply critical thinking and food safety principles to real-world scenarios. The workshop covered hazard identification, determination of critical control points, setting critical limits, and establishing monitoring and verification procedures.    

The 5-day training equipped participants, not only with technical knowledge, but also the confidence to lead food safety initiatives in their respective places of work, ensuring that there will be champions of food safety in Metro Manila’s healthcare facilities.  Said training module is also being offered for interested healthcare facilities.  

By: Ken Handler Soledad, PAMAMAZON Cluster