A public seminar on food safety and healthy eating attracted around 80 residents on Saturday, with representatives from the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) and the Health Bureau (SSM) giving advice on summer food safety, balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits, according to a joint statement by the two bureaux yesterday.
The event formed part of the 15th Food Safety Week series and concluded with interactive games and a Q&A session, the statement said, adding that the seminar focused on common food safety misconceptions and practical nutrition strategies, particularly during the summer months when high temperatures can increase food-related health risks.
The statement noted that IAM representatives addressed the misconception that refrigerating food guarantees safety, noting that certain bacteria, including Listeria*, can continue to grow slowly at low temperatures, stressing that thoroughly cooking food remains the most important safeguard against foodborne illness.
Residents were also reminded to follow basic refrigerator storage principles, including separating raw and cooked foods, storing cooked food above raw ingredients and maintaining cleanliness to prevent cross-contamination, the statement said, adding that the seminar also highlighted potential risks associated with takeaway meals during hot and humid weather. The statement pointed out that participants were advised to choose delivery services with temperature-controlled transportation and to be cautious if hot food arrives cold, cold food arrives warm, or packaging appears damaged or leaking.
Meanwhile, Health Bureau representatives promoted the dietary principles of “less oil, more soy and more milk”, the statement said.
The bureau recommended limiting cooking oil consumption to no more than six teaspoons per person per day, increasing the intake of soy products such as unsweetened soy milk and tofu, and consuming at least one cup of milk daily, the statement noted, adding that low-fat or skimmed milk was suggested for people seeking weight management.
The statement pointed out that the Food Safety Week activities will continue with the “Food Safety Cool Summer” promotional campaign from this Friday through next Thursday at Nova Mall in Taipa, which will feature interactive activities designed to raise awareness of summer food safety and healthy eating practices.
* Listeria is a genus of rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria naturally found in soil, water, and animal faeces. The most notable species is Listeria monocytogenes, which causes listeriosis, a serious and potentially fatal foodborne illness. Unlike many other food-poisoning bacteria, Listeria is unique in that it can thrive and multiply in cool, damp environments, including inside your refrigerator. - Gemini
This infographic provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) and the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday promotes the “less oil, more soy and more milk” dietary principles.
