Labella orders probe into Larsian sanitation

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has ordered an investigation into the sanitation at Larsian food strip in Fuente Osmeña following a viral video on social media showing rats on the meat display of a food stall.

The mayor has directed the City Health Office (CHO) to look into the report by immediately sending sanitary inspectors. Labella had instructed Dr. Daisy Villa, chief of the city health department, to conduct surprise inspections day and night.

“I sent sanitary inspectors to Larsian because it was on social media that there were rats on the sold barbecue. So I directed Dr. Villa to send at random, sanitary inspectors, and to make an inquiry, to make an investigation, a random inspection and submit a report to me because it is so unhealthy and unsanitary,” Labella said.

Labella has emphasized that public health is very important and he had received several reports about these rats in Larsian.

“If we find out if it’s so untidy and infiltrated with rats, then we will issue an order to have these establishments close if they do not comply with the sanitary requirements of the city,” said Labella.

Labella said that this is the first time under his administration, so he will be very strict on this issue.

“This risks the health of our people, residents, tourists, and the customers of Cebu City so we really have to take care of the health and sanitation,” said Labella.

Larsian went through three months rehabilitation in 2018 for the management to improve the food center, particularly to correct the reported food and sanitation problems there. The unhygienic practices of some tenants has long been a customer concern ever since, during the rehabilitation, the management had the stall owners, tenants, and their workers undergo a series of seminars and trainings on sanitation, food handling, and customer service.

The famous barbecue food strip is located at Don Mariano Cui Street in Barangay Capitol Site.  FPL (FREEMAN)