DoST trains Camiguin cacao processors

THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) trained cacao processors in Camiguin on food safety and current good manufacturing practices (GMPs) for two days (January 24 and 25) at Maslog, Balbagon, Mambajao.

Mama Jita’s Food Processing, known for its cacao-based products such as table (chocolate tablet) and choco drinks, enrolled 18 of its employees directly involved in daily processing as part of its policy to ensure top-notch food safety standards.

Troy Anthony Omol, Science Research Specialist I and member of the DoST-10 Food Safety Team, served as the resource speaker on basic food hygiene, food safety hazards and current GMPs.

Omol emphasized the importance of adhering to these practices to produce quality food products.

“As food handlers, you must strictly adhere to the food safety standards to ensure your consumer’s safety. Remember that your consumers are the lifeblood of the business,” he said.

Company owner Julieta de la Cerna expressed her gratitude during the training and highlighted the relevance of the training in the continuous improvement of her production operation. She guaranteed the DoST that what her employees have learned will be strictly applied in their business.

“I am grateful to DoST Camiguin for the opportunity they provided in lending their time to conduct Food Safety Training in my business,” said de la Cerna, stressing the training highlighted the significance of improving the production process in the production area and in emphasizing the importance of food safety in the production of chocolate tablets.

DoST Camiguin Director Joanne Katherine Banaag also shared a reminder to all the participants of the training.

“Food safety is everybody’s responsibility. All of us should be responsible for preventing foodborne illnesses across the supply chain. This will then assure the safety of the food supply, as a whole,” she said.

The firm is also a beneficiary of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program of DoST.