On codes governing commercial establishments

(First of two parts)

Kain na tayo—‘let’s eat’.

The phrase reveals two essential aspects of Filipinos: one, that they are hospitable, and two, that they love to, well, eat.

In its website, travel guide book publisher Lonely Planet described the Filipino way of eating, such that, “Filipinos are constantly eating. Three meals a day just isn’t enough, so they added two meryenda… [B]ut don’t let that fool you—the afternoon meryenda can include something as filling as bihon (fried rice sticks) or goto (Filipino congee) plus bibingka (fluffy rice cakes topped with cheese).”

Eating out rarely meant booking ahead in a trendy restaurant in Manila and Cebu, with the abundance of turu-turo, more affordable restaurants, cafés, food parks, markets and fast food joints throughout the country.

In this regard, in its 2016 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that restaurants accounted for majority of establishments engaged in the accommodation and food service activities industry at 23.4 percent, followed by cafeterias at 15.3 percent and fast food chains at 14.3 percent.

Meanwhile, fast food chains generated the highest income at 36.8 percent of the industry’s total income, or P203 billion, followed by restaurants at 23.5 percent or P129.8 billion and cafeterias at 5.1 percent or P27.9 billion.

“The growing demand for convenience has led to the expansion of the Philippine food service industry in the form of fast-food restaurants and casual dining restaurants,” said the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions in its International Food Exhibition Philippines website. “Competition in this segment is keen, with restaurant operators always interested in new and exciting menu ideas to attract customers.”

While the Philippine food service industry offers attractive business opportunities, potential industry players must, among others, secure a sanitation permit before they may open their restaurants to the public.

The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines provides the structural requirements which food establishments shall comply with before they may be issued sanitation permits. For instance, they should be constructed such that anyone shall not be able to use any room or place for or in connection with the preparation, storage, handling or sale of any article or food: (a) which is at anytime used or in direct communication with a sleeping apartment or toilet; (b) in which any animal is kept; (c) which is or has been used for any purpose which would likely contaminate the food or to affect injuriously its wholesomeness or cleanliness; or (d) which is not used exclusively for the purpose.

Department stores or multipurpose business establishments may be issued sanitation permits, however, concerning areas therein which have been set aside exclusively for the manufacture, preparation, cooking, storage and/or sale of food.

Furthermore, the floors may either be constructed of: (a) concrete or other impervious and easily cleaned material that is resistant to wear and corrosion, which shall be adequately graded and drained; or (b) wood with dovetailed or tongue and grooved floor boards laid on a firm foundation and tightly clamped together, subject to the dimensions prescribed by the Code.

Meanwhile, the internal surface of walls shall have a smooth, even, non-absorbent surface capable of being readily cleaned without damage to the surface and constructed of dust-proof materials. Where subject to wetting or splashing, the walls shall be constructed of impervious, non-absorbent materials and of the prescribed height. Internal walls shall be painted in light colors or treated with such other wall finish as the proper health authority may prescribe.

All ceilings or, if no ceiling was provided, the entire under-surface of the roof shall be dust-proof and washable. Likewise, the ceiling of under-surface of the roof of rooms in which food is prepared or packed in which utensils or hands are washed shall be smooth, non-absorbent, and light-colored.

(To be continued)