The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Downpour brings with it an end to the scorching summer heat and a sigh of relief for everyone. But it is also a time to be extra careful for the diseases, in particular, gastrointestinal infections. During this season, immunity tends to be weakened, making food items more susceptible to infections.
More people like to eat bread and bakery products which are displayed in the market. The perishable and high risk food items such as bakery products are being displayed in retail shops for longer duration without maintaining the required storage condition.
Recently, the Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) officials have found that bread and other bakery products in some of the shops in Thimphu are in danger of getting spoiled due to change in temperature.
BAFRA notify that this is a serious Food safety concern, as these products are highly susceptible to quick spoilage and could cause food poisoning.
Food Safety officer, Kubir N. Bhattarai said, “Food items exposed to the moist air for long periods and as the temperature increases these bread items gets spoiled. But people are not aware of these things and as a result it could cause food poisoning.”
BAFRA will inform all Food Manufacturers, Food Business Operators across the country that such high risk food products must be stored within required storage temperature of 15 °C – 20°C, which should clearly be prescribed on the product label.
Likewise, Bakery items containing custards, meat or, vegetables, frostings made of cream cheese, whipped cream or, eggs etc. must be kept under recommended refrigeration condition of 1.6°C – 3.3°C.
Till now, there is no data recorded regarding this food items but this idea will helpful across the country said Kubir N. Bhattarai, Food Safety officer.
Further, there will be routine inspection after notifying bread shops and Bakeries in the capital. BAFRA will be checking the storage of the food items during the routine inspection of the shops and food establishments.
“Strict necessary action will be taken on the defaulters as per the existing Rules and Norms,” a food safety official said.
