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One of the key roles ENV plays is to ensure that food is prepared hygienically and hence safe for consumption. In support of the Environmental Health Department and the Hawkers Department, the 3P Partnership Department organises a variety of educational programmes and develops a variety of educational materials to educate food handlers and householders on hygienic food handling practices. The Environmental Education Department also educates consumers on the importance of food hygiene when eating out, and measures they can take to prevent contracting food-borne diseases and food poisoning.
In 2000, the Education & Partnership Department organised a Food Hygiene Programme targeted at food handlers, householders and consumers. Jointly organised with grassroots organisations and the Bukit Merah Central Merchants' & Hawkers' Association, the launch of the programme was held on 22 January 2000 at the Bukit Merah Central Food Centre. A highlight of the event saw hawkers pledging their commitment to serve hygienic food by displaying a commitment decal stating 'We take pride in serving you clean food.' As part of the programme, educational materials were distributed in a food hygiene pack comprising of a kitchen towel, kitchen timer, apron and fridge magnet to over 27,000 food stall-holders island-wide to help spread the food hygiene message.
In spreading the same message to households, local culinary expert Violet Oon was invited for a series of roadshows on food hygiene. These roadshows were held at Lot 1 Shoppers' Mall, Hougang Green Shopping Complex, West Mall and Century Square Shopping Centre. The cooking demonstrations, which toured neighbourhood malls, combined tips on food hygiene with Ms. Oon's recipes. In addition, radio stations aired reminders on safeguarding against food poisoning through hygienic food preparation.
The food hygiene packs were also distributed to the public who took part in cooking classes organised by Community Centres to remind them of the importance of preparing hygienic food.
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