Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2006-0001)
The main objective is to improve parasitologic screening of food handlers by local health units to enhance early detection and management of intestinal parasitic infections.
The Formalin Ether/Ethyl Acetate Concentration Technique (FECT) is mandated as the stool examination method for screening food handlers.
Food handlers must be examined once a year for intestinal parasitic infections.
Food handlers are any persons who handle, store, prepare, serve food, drinks, or ice or come into contact with eating or cooking utensils and food vending machines.
Personnel must be graduates of B.S. Medical Technology or Public Health, have passed the Philippine Medical Technology Licensure Examination, hold a valid license from the Professional Regulation Commission, and have completed an accredited training course on diagnosis of food and waterborne parasitoses recognized by the DOH.
There must be a designated area within the local health unit with adequate space, furniture, adequate illumination, and ventilation for processing and examination of stool specimens.
A clinical centrifuge with head and cups for 15 ml tubes, a microscope with low and high power objectives, and conical centrifuge tubes are required equipment.
Stool specimens should be preserved using 10% formalin by adding one volume of stool to three volumes of formalin to prevent degradation until processing.
The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines (P.D. 856) govern health certificate issuance, requiring examination, immunization, and prohibition against food handlers working while afflicted with communicable diseases.
No, health certificates are non-transferable according to the stated policy.
They are tasked with formulating and implementing health programs, including issuing health certificates based on the required parasitologic screening and ensuring compliance with the guidelines.
Such a person shall not be allowed to work in food handling and preparation to prevent disease transmission.
FECT has higher sensitivity (88%) in detecting infections, particularly among asymptomatic individuals, compared to DFS (52%), making it more effective for early diagnosis and disease control.
After centrifugation, four layers appear: top ether layer, fatty debris plug, formalin layer, and sediment containing the parasitic elements.
It takes effect fifteen (15) days after filing with the University of the Philippines Law Center or upon posting/publication on the DOH Intranet.