Dr Thiraphong Aramruang, Head of the Social Medicine Group at Vachira Phuket Hospital, along with officers from the Consumer Protection, Health Education and Sanitation departments of Phuket City Municipality’s Public Health and Environment division on Friday (Oct 4) visited the Sui Boon Tong Shrine (Lor Rong) and the Tao Bo Keng Shrine (Jui Tui).
The officers inspected the produce and cooking ingredients used and provided advice on food safety and sanitation.
The focus was on the dangers of polar substances in reused frying oil, reported Vachira Phuket Hospital. Polar compounds are not digestible, and their consumption can impact health, posing a greater risk of heart disease in the long term.
Samples of reused frying oil were collected from vegetarian food stalls for analysis.
One photo of the inspections showed a box of cooking items being thrown into a dumpster.
Educational leaflets were also distributed to food vendors participating in the Vegetarian Festival.
Following the end of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival last year, officials revealed that at least seven Chinese shrines assessed by health officials failed to pass food hygiene requirements.
On the first day of this year’s Phuket Vegetarian Festival, last Thursday (Oct 3), the team inspected and provided food sanitation advice at nine shrine kitchens.
On the first day of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, last Thursday (Oct 3), the team inspected and provided food sanitation advice at nine shrine kitchens.
They also randomly collected fresh food samples to test for contaminants and implemented disease prevention measures to ensure that residents of Phuket can enjoy clean, safe and hygienic food during the festival.
The inspections were carried out at the Lim Hu Hai Su Shrine (Sam Kong); Cheng Ong Shrine (in front of Vachira Phuket Hospital); Cham Chi Ju Hut Shrine (Khao Rang); Sui Boon Tong Shrine (Lor Rong); Tao Bo Keng Shrine (Jui Tui); Pud Jor Shrine; Saeng Tham Shrine; Tao Bo Ki-Ong Shrine (Bang Neow); and Kiew Thian Keng Shrine (Saphan Hin).
Vachira Hospital has also launched a campaign to encourage healthier eating during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, under the slogan, “Eat Vegetarian in a Healthy Way: Reduce Sugar, Fat, and Salt to Lower the Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases”.
Eating vegetarian food can improve health and reduce chances of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) while gaining health benefits, Vachira Hospital explained in its campaign push.
Vachira Hospital advised:
- Eat a balanced diet from all 5 food groups, focusing on protein-rich foods like grains, tofu and beans.
- Eat fruit in moderation, especially those that aren’t too sweet.
- Avoid foods that are overly spicy, sweet, fatty or salty.
- Opt for stewed, boiled, baked, steamed or spicy salad dishes instead of stir-fried or fried foods.
- Wash fresh vegetables and fruits thoroughly with clean water to reduce harmful residues.
- Buy food from clean, certified vendors (look for sellers with aprons, hair caps and proper tools for handling food).
- Choose pre-made vegetarian products with clear labels and the ‘Healthier Choice’ symbol.
Special recommendations were given for people with NCDs:
- Diabetes patients: Limit carbs, starches and foods high in sugar.
- High cholesterol patients: Avoid stir-fried or fried foods.
- Kidney disease patients: Limit sodium, dark green leafy vegetables and certain high-potassium foods like soybeans and some grains.
- Heart disease and obesity patients: Don’t overeat vegetarian food. Control your portions and exercise regularly.