NMC program promotes food safety
The series of workshops on food safety conducted this year by the Home Economics program of the Northern Marianas College recorded an increase on awareness about food intake.
Workshops conducted on Saipan, Tinian and Rota had gathered close to 700 people for this year which demonstrated their recognition on the importance of food safety, according to a report prepared by the Home Economics.
The program was able to recruit additional participants following the endorsement of past attendees about the workshop.
It recorded over 65 percent of food handlers who attended the workshops who now wear gloves and hair net while cooking and in the preparations of ingredients. While 60 percent of homemakers have reported to have stored food in proper containers.
Among its young participants, it registered a 100 percent observance on washing hands before and after eating.
The workshop covered food safety training for school food handlers, homemakers and caregivers which emphasized on proper sanitation and personal hygiene. Young participants were also included.
It covered least expensive tools in assisting low income families to handle food safety.
Such workshops were designed to establish volunteer efforts in sharing food safety techniques with the rest of the community. It utilized audio-visual presentations and in-service demonstrations.
The report said NMC was able to solicit the support of the Public School System, Department of Public Health, vendors and food establishments in strengthening efforts to safeguard food intake.
