To ensure safe food to Echagueños, DOST Region 2 in coordination with the Municipal Health Office of Echague, Isabela conducted a site assessment to 4 food establishments in the town, October 12, 2018.

Among the food firms assessed were Food Fest and Gotom in Banchetto, 1 bakery (Queen Zia’s Bakeshop) and 1 restaurant (Panyong’s Cabagan House). This site assessment is along with the thrust of DOST Region 2 and with the support of the Local Government of Echague, Isabela to ensure safe food to the constituents of Echague.

After the assessment, the stalls will be graded based on the Food Grading System implemented by the municipality. These grades must then be posted on a conspicuous place in their firms. Recommendations will be given and noncompliance to the recommendations will have their corresponding penalties from fines of P500.00 to P2,500.00 up to closure of the establishment.

It is hoped that with the execution of the Food Grading System in the municipality, more food establishments will adhere to the Food Safety standards and be more aware of their role of delivering quality food to their consumers.