In Cebu City, the National Dairy Authority-Central Visayas (NDA-7) is actively training dairy farmers throughout the region on essential hygiene practices to enhance the safety and quality of their dairy products. Julyvie Avergonzado, from the food safety and quality assurance office of NDA-7, emphasized during a radio forum that these training sessions are crucial for maintaining consumer trust in locally produced milk. Avergonzado highlighted the significance of adhering to proper procedures to elevate the quality of dairy products like milk bars, yogurts, and cheese. He stressed that good hygiene practices are vital in preventing diseases caused by contamination, reducing waste, and minimizing spoilage. Avergonzado advised that milk should be stored correctly within two hours of extraction in a clean container and cooled immediately in a refrigerator or chiller. He encouraged dairy farmers to uphold these practices to sustain consumer confidence in local milk. Additionally, he noted that milkers should wear clean attire and personal protective equipment such as aprons, masks, boots, and hairnets, and practice regular hand washing before milking. Avergonzado also mentioned that farmers with symptoms of cough, cold, or any infectious disease should refrain from milking. He emphasized the importance of cleanliness not only for the farmers and milkers but also for the milking equipment, the milking parlor, and the animals themselves, both before and after milk extraction. The NDA is rolling out these training sessions across farms in Central Visayas.
