Retailers required to place products in freezers

The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring all retailers of fresh meat, fish or processed food products sold as frozen goods in the city to place their merchandises in display cases, chillers or freezers and providing for penalties for violators.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Elaine D. Sembrano stated the local legislative measure shall cover all businesses in the city licensed as retailers of fresh meat, fish or processed food products sold as frozen goods, including stalls in the city public and barangay satellite markets.

Under the provisions of the proposed ordinance, no retailer or vendor shall be allowed to sell or peddle his or her products identified in the ordinance in open air exposed to the elements, pests, contaminants and possible agents of contamination and fresh meat or fish shall be displayed in enclosed glass or transparent cases or in chillers.

Further, processed food products sold as frozen goods shall be put in freezers at all times for sanitation purposes.

On the other hand, the ordinance prohibited retailers and vendors from using color-enhancing lighting materials in their respective establishments and only bulbs emitting white light, if necessary to be installed in any enclosed glass or transparent case, shall be used so as not to alter the appearance of the products on display.

The ordinance stated display cases shall be made of stainless steel, glass, or water and heat resistant materials for easy cleaning and maintenance, except wooden materials to avoid the growth of fungi and other contaminants due to the water retention properties of wood.

The local legislative measure added the business or stall owner or their attendants shall, at all times, maintain a sanitary and clean selling area and premises, keeping the floor and counter tops dry and the use of apron, hair cap and sanitary gloves for all sales crew shall be required.

The City Health Services Office will be tasked to enforce and monitor the compliance of retailers and vendors to the provisions of the ordinance pursuant to Section 31 of the Sanitation code of the Philippines.

Violations of the pertinent provisions of the ordinance shall be penalized with a reprimand for the first offense, a fine of P3,000 for the second offense, a fine of P5,000 and confiscation of goods for the third offense and cancellation and non-renewal of business permit for the fourth offense.

In addition to Baguio City’s significance as the center for education in the north, the position has made the city a major destination for local and foreign visitors, thus, there is a need to take into consideration all aspects of the development of the city, such as its trade and commercial environment.

The ordinance cited it is important for the local government to improve how goods and services are offered in the various commercial establishments, including the public market to give reasons for visitors and residents to patronize businesses in the city.
- Dexter A. See

The City Government of Baguio, Official Website