BACOLOD FORMS TEAM TO MONITOR FOOD SOLD BY AMBULANT VENDORS
CITY—The local government here was organizing a team that would ensure that food sold by ambulant vendors in this city would be safe.
Mayor Alfredo Benitez made the announcement on Friday, after a video of a fried chicken that was infested with worms went viral on social media after it was posted onThursday.
Based on reports, the food was purchased outside the Libertad Public Market in this city.
“I have directed the City Legal Office to create an enforcement team to address the matter,” Benitez said on Friday.
The mayor admitted that the city government had lapses in inspecting the meat products and other food in restaurants, and those sold by ambulant vendors.
Regulations readied
Benitez said he wanted to regulate the ambulant vendors in the city and make sure that they comply with all the sanitary and health requirements.
He said he already requested Councilor Celia Flor, chair of the City Council’s committee on markets and slaughterhouse, to quickly pass an ordinance that would regulate ambulant and street vending.
“Ambulant and street vendors must be registered since they are selling food that are consumed by the general public, and must comply with city government requirements,’’ Benitez said.
He said the ordinance should include provisions on when and where the ambulant vendors can sell their goods so they do not become road obstructions.
“There has to be some commensurate penalty to ensure compliance,” he said.
Benitez said the city government would also enforce the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to clear roads of obstructions.
“We realize that there will be certain livelihoods that will be affected so we will make sure that we will find a win-win solution for them (ambulant/street vendors),” he added.