THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday advised the public to be careful when taking home food from parties and gatherings, more commonly known as “sharon.”
In a televised public briefing, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the public must be vigilant against the threat of food-borne illnesses.
“My number one advice is when doing ‘sharon’ or taking home food from parties, be careful when you eat it the following day,” said Herbosa.
“If you eat it, even if you reheat it the next day, it may cause gastrointestinal illness, especially if these already starts to smell,” he added.
The health chief said it would be better if one ate freshly cooked meals.
He stressed that this is especially true with food that easily spoils.
“Having fresh ingredients is very important, especially if they easily spoil, such as fish and shellfish,” he said.
“Eating fresh food lessens the chances of developing gastrointestinal illnesses,” added Herbosa.
“Sharon” is the act of wrapping up food to take home from parties and gatherings. Named after actress Sharon Cuneta, “sharon” is a humorous reference to her song “Bituing Walang Ningning,” which includes the lyrics “balutin mo ako.”
