To capacitate the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) on food safety, in compliance with the Republic Act 10611 or the Food Safety Act of 2013, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA conducted the From Farm to Fork: Mastering the Art of Food Safety at Romblon State University Hostel, Odiongan, Romblon, on September 25-27, 2024.
The training focused on equipping the participants with knowledge on ensuring the safety and quality of their food products. Ms. Rhea May P. Rogelio, Food and Drug Authority (FDA) Regulation Officer I served as a resource speaker and discussed the essential steps in applying for a License to Operate (LTO) with the FDA, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), packaging and labeling standards, and Introduction to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP). Meanwhile, Ms. Roseanne D. Nilo, from ATI-MIMAROPA, provided the lecture on RA 10611, highlighting its rules, regulations, prohibitions, and penalties.
As the output of the training, the participants were divided into three groups to formulate and present their own HACCP plans for specific products. At the end of the training, most participants expressed their eagerness in starting their FDA application process for their business and securing LTOs from the FDA, which they would share with their local farmers and colleagues.
Mr. Jayven Francisco, Agricultural Technologist from San Andres Romblon shared, “Nalaman namin kung ano yung mga dapat gawin para masigurong malinis ang pagkain, natutong maging maarte in a good way. Nalaman ko ang kahalagahan ng food safety at paano ito magagawa. Ang mga natutunan ko dito ay aking ibabahagi sa aming munisipyo para masiguro ang ligtas at malinis ang ating mga pagkain.”
A total of 23 AEWs attended the three-day training.
