The Pasay City Environmental Sanitation Service (ESS) inspected a tofu factory after receiving a complaint about an unpleasant odor coming from the establishment on Aug. 30.
Ma. Lourdes San Juan, chief of City Health Office (CHO), reported to Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano that the inspection was conducted at the Loli Bends Trading factory on Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City.
The CHO’s move came after one Dondon Andres, an employee of King and Queen International KTV Bar, filed a complaint with the ESS through its legal counsel, Atty. Myrwin Brena, about the alleged unpleasant odor coming from the establishment.
During the inspection, the ESS found that there is a gap/opening on the wall dividing the respondent’s food processing area and the complainant’s place. There are also signs of cockroach infestation in the establishment.
The team also noted poor sanitation condition, ill-maintained premises and improper garbage management in the factory, and its food processing equipments are not properly cleaned.
The establishment is also operating without the latest Sanitary Permit and Health Certificates of all employees, the ESS said.
The company also failed to present its latest water examination result (microbiological).
The inspection team also discovered that the storage room for ingredients and food materials were unorganized, and there were presence of unnecessary articles such as cleaning chemical, sprayer and others. The employees’ personal belongings were also found in the processing area, and food items were left exposed for contamination.
The inspectors also found the presence of oil in the open canal, and the insufficient ventilation in the area.
The team of ESS headed by William Logro ordered the establishment to implement corrective measures on its violations. A follow-up inspection will be conducted on Sept. 5.
The ESS also told the Business Permit and Licensing Office to check the establishment’s business permit as it was declared as a retailer and not as a food manufacturing during the conduct of inspection.
The establishment was also required to secure license to operate from the Food and Drug Administration.