By Kenneth Marcos 
With every step and every stride, hundreds of Filipinos came together to celebrate health and wellness during the National Dairy Authority’s (NDA) Food Safety Awareness Week Virtual Run 2025. The event highlighted not only the importance of physical fitness but also the crucial role of safe and nutritious food in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Participants from different parts of the country joined the virtual run, showing their commitment to promoting food safety while staying active. The NDA expressed heartfelt thanks and warm congratulations to all finishers, calling their enthusiasm “MOO-tivating” — a nod to the agency’s advocacy of promoting safe dairy and local food products.
As the celebration wrapped up, the NDA reminded the public that good health begins not just with exercise, but with what we eat. Food safety, they emphasized, is everyone’s responsibility — from farmers and vendors to families at home.
The agency shared the World Health Organization’s (WHO) “Five Keys to Safer Food,” practical steps that help prevent foodborne illnesses:
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Keep clean – Wash hands, cooking tools, and food surfaces before and after handling food.
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Separate raw and cooked food – Prevent cross-contamination by using different containers and utensils.
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Cook thoroughly – Make sure meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood are cooked at safe temperatures.
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Keep food at safe temperatures – Refrigerate perishable items promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
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Use safe water and raw materials – Always choose clean, fresh, and safe ingredients.
According to the National Nutrition Council (NNC), millions of people worldwide get sick every year from unsafe food. Many cases can be prevented simply by following basic hygiene and food handling practices.
Through initiatives like the Food Safety Awareness Week, the NDA continues to raise awareness about the link between safe food, good nutrition, and overall public health. The agency also calls on the public to support local dairy producers and farmers, whose livelihoods depend on maintaining high food safety standards.
As this year’s celebration concludes, the NDA hopes that the lessons from the event inspire every Filipino to make small but meaningful changes in their daily routines — from choosing fresh, local products to handling food safely at home. After all, a healthier nation starts with safe food and responsible habits.
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