In building a future where food safety is a priority, we often put an emphasis on preventing unintentional contamination by adhering to standard food safety systems. But did you know that all our hard work, time, and resources invested in these systems can be undone by a single incident of intentional contamination?

This can result in significant public health consequences, economic damage, and a loss of public confidence in food safety.

To help food manufacturers in the region thrive in a secure and trustworthy marketplace, the Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI) through the Iloilo Provincial Science and Technology Office (Iloilo PSTO) and the S&T Services Section (STSS) conducted a 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙪𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝘿𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚.

The training program, led by Ms. Jhoanna N. Bolencis, a professional food technologist and Senior Science Research Specialist at the DOST VI, was specifically designed to enhance the participant’s understanding and awareness of the growing threats posed by food fraud and food defense vulnerabilities.

Participants from local food businesses were equipped with valuable insights on how to identify potential fraud and security risks in their food supply chain, incidents and impacts of intentional food adulteration, types of perpetrators and motives, the development of food defense plans and their objectives, tools, and strategies, and the basic components of food defense that can be applied in their respective facilities.

This effort ensures that consumers continue to receive safe, high-quality food products while also safeguarding the reputation and growth of our local businesses. As the food industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to be equipped with knowledge and tools to safeguard their products and protect the public (RJDArcillas, Iloilo PSTO).

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