By Theckla Gunga – EM TV, Port Moresby
PNG’s Health Secretary, Pascoe Kase, says Papua New Guineans can reduce the high cases of people suffering from food borne diseases by preparing food in a clean environment.
Mr Kase said if the five universal principles of food security are observed when preparing food, there will be less food bone diseases cases reported to our hospitals.
He made these remarks at the World Health Day celebrations in Port Moresby, today.
Having access to food is a basic human right, but what’s more important is that the food prepared is cooked in a clean environment and with clean hands.
In Papua New Guinea, children under the age of 12 are vulnerable to food borne diseases like diarrhoea, and many often end up accruing other preventable diseases.
For this year’s World Health Day, the health department and partners are emphasising the importance of food security.
“The five principles of food security are: keep clean, separate raw from cooked food, cook thoroughly, keeping food at a safe temperature and using safe and clean water and raw materials when preparing food either at home or in a food industry,” Kase said.
NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, who was amongst the speakers, said while more food industries are developing in PNG, it is important the safety preparations are observed during the manufacturing process.
Parkop also challenged all enforcement agencies to monitor the quality of imported food products especially imported protein so potential cases are minimised.
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