Besides banh chung and instant noodles, what other food relief can be provided to people in flood-hit areas?

Many types of food are processed by people themselves, so the production date should be clearly stated for appropriate distribution, ensuring safety when used - Photo: Source: Department of Food Safety

Homemade foods must clearly state the production date.

The Food Safety Department (Ministry of Health) has just issued recommendations on ensuring food safety to support people in areas affected by natural disasters and floods.

According to the Food Safety Department, this year many types of relief food such as banh chung, banh mi, instant noodles, etc. were sent by people to people in areas affected by natural disasters and floods.

The Department recommends that organizations should prioritize donating and supporting prepackaged food, food with a long shelf life, such as: dry food, canned food, sealed packaging such as meat, fish, canned vegetables, instant noodles, sterilized sausages, bottled water, etc. from food safety processing facilities. These foods are fully labeled and have a shelf life according to regulations.

In addition, vitamins and digestive enzymes can be provided to support the health of children and the elderly in storm and flood affected areas.

Especially when processing food yourself, vacuum packaging to support people in storm and flood areas, you need to note:

Choose foods suitable for vacuum packaging such as: dried meat, dried fish, popcorn, rice popcorn, cakes with leaves wrapped in them that are thoroughly cooked (for many hours) such as banh chung, banh tet. After removing the cakes, place them in a clean place, squeeze out the water, and let them cool before vacuum packaging.

For foods that people prepare themselves, it is necessary to ensure hygiene requirements and use clean water to prepare food.

In particular, when packaging and vacuuming, a piece of paper with the production date should be placed inside the packaging film so that the transporter and user know and can arrange appropriate distribution and usage times.

People join hands to load goods and necessities onto trucks to support people in the northern flood areas - Photo: THANH NGUYEN

How to identify unsafe food

According to the Food Safety Department, although self-processing, packaging and vacuuming food can help extend food preservation time, it can also pose a risk of not ensuring food safety.

Therefore, when receiving food aid, people need to check the packaging of the food being distributed and provided before eating.

Absolutely do not use expired food, canned food that is swollen, flattened, deformed, rusty, not intact, or has an unusual taste or color.

Canned foods that are not inflated, but when opened make a "hissing" sound, meaning there is air inside, and have a "strong smell", should not be used to prevent contamination with anaerobic bacteria, especially botulinum toxin.

For foods made by the supporter such as banh chung, banh giay, banh tet... which are handmade, self-packaged, and sealed with vacuum-sealed film, they need to be carefully observed before use.

If there are air bubbles inside the plastic wrap, the plastic wrap is bulging, or when the plastic wrap is opened, the food is slimy, moldy, has an unusual smell or taste, absolutely do not use it.

These foods have a short shelf life, within a few days, so it is necessary to know the production and packaging date.

The Food Safety Department also requested that localities arrange forces to organize the reception and distribution of relief food as quickly as possible to the people.

Proactively stock up on medicines, chemicals, vehicles, human resources, and plans to proactively handle and remedy food poisoning or food-related illnesses if they occur.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ngoai-banh-chung-mi-tom-co-the-cuu-tro-thuc-pham-gi-cho-ba-con-vung-bao-lu-20240914162341469.htm