When it comes in public school canteen, everyone has responsibility according to DEPeD.

In light of the
recent reports on food poisoning, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminds school heads and personnel to
strictly adhere to existing food safety policies in schools, including dealing with ambulant vendors, to ensure
that children are free from health risks. DepEd has also instructed regional directors and schools division
superintendents to oversee the effective management of the school canteens and underscore the accountability
of the school officials. As schools continue to promote food safety, DepEd enjoins parents and guardians to take
a proactive role in helping children make proper food choices and practice proper sanitation. DepEd also calls
on stakeholders and local government units in promoting proper nutrition and food safety practices to protect
children and strengthen communities.
Food Safety Education
Food Safety Education - Funky Chicken :30
Part of the USDA and Ad Councils Food Safety Education campaign, these PSAs
aim to raise awareness about the risks of foodborne illness. They educate
consumers, especially parents, to take specific actions to reduce their personal risk
through safe food- handling steps. Through depictions of dancing E.coli and
Salmonella microbes, the campaign reminds consumers that the foodborne
pathogens they cant see, can still hurt them, so its crucial to practice food
handling behaviors in their kitchens. All campaign elements direct audiences to
visit FoodSafety.gov where they can find more food safety resources.
Food Safety Education Mosh :30 (Spanish)
Part of the USDA and Ad Councils Food Safety Education campaign, these PSAs
aim to raise awareness about the risks of foodborne illness. They educate
consumers, especially parents, to take specific actions to reduce their personal risk
through safe food- handling steps. Through depictions of dancing E.coli and
Salmonella microbes, the campaign reminds consumers that the foodborne
pathogens they cant see, can still hurt them, so its crucial to practice food
handling behaviors in their kitchens. All campaign elements direct audiences to
visit FoodSafety.gov where they can find more food safety resources
Overview
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 48 million
people get foodborne illness each year, resulting in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and
3,000 deaths. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are
especially at risk of contracting food poisoning.
To help familiesespecially parentslearn the practical steps they can take at home to
help reduce their risk of getting sick, the Ad Council and the U.S. Department of
Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service, in partnership with the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC introduced the Food Safe Families campaign.
The campaign aims to educate families about the following four food handling behaviors:

Separate: Raw meats from other foods by using different cutting boards.
Clean: Clean kitchen surfaces, utensils,and hands with soap and water while
preparing food.
Cook: Cook foods to the right temperature by using a food thermometer.
Chill: Chill raw and prepared foods promptly.

In the initial campaign, humorous television PSAs, broadcast in English and Spanish,
showcased chefs going to over-the-top measures to stay safe. To stay clean, for
example, a man chopping vegetables employs a lawn sprinklerand a raincoat.
The campaign also includes radio, print, and web advertising as well as an integrated
social media program. Ads also ran on the Walmart Checkout TV Network, which covers
588 stores throughout the country.
In a more recent campaign, also broadcast in English in Spanish, featured a clueless chef
prepares traditional family meals, but breaks food safety rules along the waywith some
disastrous results. This campaign also included radio, print and online components.
All campaign elements direct audiences to visit FoodSafety.gov, where they can learn
about food safe practices.
An online recipe tool allows users to upload their favorite recipes and have the critical
food safety steps automatically included. Consumers can also access Ask Karen, an
online database with answers to nearly 1,500 questions related to preventing foodborne
illnesses.
- See more at: http://www.adcouncil.org/Our-Campaigns/Health/Food-SafetyEducation#sthash.MJBugqiH.dpuf
Keeping the Canteen Clean
The second part of food safety in a school canteen is keeping the space itself clean and
free of bacteria. Never allow the room to become a habitat for pests of any type. They
spread germs and will be attracted to any foods that are left out or open. You should use
food safe pest control, keep doors and windows sealed and shut and dispose of garbage
properly.
Chopping boards should be properly sanitised and cleaned before use. Never use the
same chopping board for meats and other foods like fruits and vegetables. Even if you are
chopping vegetables of different types, you should clean and sanitise the board between
each use.
Food storage is extremely important. When foods are waiting for use, they can be a
breeding ground for bacteria if not stored properly. All items should be kept in sealed
containers and promptly refrigerated before they reach the dangerous temperature zone.

In the refrigerator, the meats should be sealed carefully and always placed on the
bottom shelf. Meats should never be placed on a higher shelf where juices could
drip and contaminate other foods.
Food that is meant to be hot should be kept hot the whole time it is being served.
Afterwards, it should be put in the refrigerator for storage within two hours of
when it started cooling down.

Foods that are meant to be cold should always be kept cold. In fact, any cold
items like sandwiches and milk should always be kept in a display that maintains
a temperature of five degrees Celsius or below

Any foods that are on display for self-service should either be packaged in sealed
wrapping or should have proper serving utensils such as tongs or spoons. Students should
never have reason to directly touch any food in order to transfer it to their plate. Foods on
display for self-service should be kept in the proper heat or cold units throughout the time
that they are available. Food should never be left on a benchtop or in an environment
with no temperature control.
The school canteen is a great place to promote an enjoyment of healthy eating.
For students who use the canteen regularly, the food purchased makes a significant
contribution to their total food intake and nutrition; therefore it makes sense to ensure the
best food possible is available to enhance their ability to learn and take in the information
presented to them in class.
For students who dont use the canteen regularly, the canteen still plays an important
educational and modelling role for healthy eating habits.
There are many aspects of a childs life that may be restricted in an educational setting.
For example: the type of reading material accessed in the library, internet access and
visual material (DVD) and the clothes they wear. It is appropriate to restrict unhealthy
food in an educational setting. The canteen also plays an important role within the
broader school environment that of reinforcing knowledge, skills and behaviors about
healthy eating and lifestyle which are taught in the classroom. Food provided at school
has a considerable influence on the development of childrens long-term eating habits,
food preferences and attitudes towards food. The school canteen plays a vital role in
promoting healthy foods and creating a school culture of healthy eating.
Food preferences are developed in childhood. By promoting and encouraging healthier
food choices during childhood, it is anticipated that healthy eating habits will be carried
through to adulthood and may go some way to help prevent chronic disease later in life.
The focus of the NHSC project is to encourage the development and reinforcement of
healthy eating patterns at school, promoting a balanced healthy eating pattern rather than
focusing on weight management.