Food Safety at the Cemetery

CEBU, Philippines — As families would troop to the cemeteries on November 1 and 2, for sure they are going to spend long hours at the tombs of their dear departed. Many are likely to last late into the night, also trying bide their time in order to allow the traffic to subside a bit. Given the length of their stay at the cemetery, families would certainly bring along necessary provisions, especially food and drinks.

With regards to food and drinks to be brought to the cemetery, there are certain things to keep in mind.

• As much as possible, bring food prepared at home. You can be sure of its quality and cleanliness.

• Bring only food that can keep fresh the whole time, without need for reheating. Foods without sauces or soup stay fresh longer.

• In arriving at the cemetery, find a spot that’s shaded and airy where to place food items, to keep them from spoiling easily.

• Warm foods shall be kept warm and cold foods cold. Thermal or styropor boxes can help a lot with this. Keeping food and drinks in boxes with lids also keep them from flies and other insects that can contaminate them.

• Bring only enough food and drinks that can be reasonable consumed within the time to be spent at the cemetery. Too much food can mean spoilage, which can in turn mean illness when spoiled food is inadvertently eaten.

• People who are sick shall not be allowed to handle food and drinks. Better yet, they shall stay at home and rest.

• People at the cemetery shall make sure they take their required eight to 10 glass of water during the day, especially if the sun happens to be searing.

• Since there may not be enough water to wash hands before and after eating, hand sanitizer would be most convenient and practical to have.

Moreover, it is also good to bring common medicines along – particularly for stomach upset, headache and nausea – just in case.