How safe is your favorite Halo-halo?
The arrival of summer in the coming weeks will have Filipinos looking for ways to beat the heat. With the COVID-19 lockdowns limiting the places Filipinos can visit, most would think their options would be either to risk contagion or to swelter in quarantine, but cold Pinoy treats such as Halo-halo may help. This summertime treat would be a sure and delicious way to cool down. However, before indulging yourself with this colorful delight, be mindful of these food safety tips:
1. Known ingredients of Halo-halo are boiled sweet beans, coconut, langka, pinipig, saba, sago, leche flan, purple yam, and milk. Make sure that these ingredients came from a safe source, stored properly, and not exposed directly to heat or sunlight because bacteria in food multiply faster at temperatures between 4 °C to 60 °C.
2. Crushed or shaved ice used in Halo-halo must be clean and safe. Contaminated ice can cause foodborne illnesses such as hepatitis and diarrhea.
3. Sellers should regularly and thoroughly wash their hands especially before preparing your Halo-halo to prevent potential food contamination. They should also have a clean workstation.
Make sure your Halo-halo has the right ingredients – that is without the presence of unwanted contaminants mixed into it.
Glenwood Technologies International
Since its establishment in 1995, Glenwood Technologies International, Inc. has been the leader in exclusive distribution of premium rapid diagnostics and hygiene monitoring kits from trusted manufacturers worldwide, providing quality and technologically advanced products to meet the emerging needs for food and feed safety, among others.