DOH warns public vs spoiled ‘halo-halo’, summer coolers

That tall glass of the Filipinos' favorite crushed-ice dessert known as halo-halo may look inviting in the searing summer heat, but it can be potentially deadly as well. Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral cautioned the public to make sure the halo-halo and similar summer snack items are prepared cleanly, according to a report on dwIZ radio. Cabral said these snack items can contain harmful bacteria if they are improperly prepared. She also urged local government units (LGUs) to have their health workers monitor vendors of halo-halo and other summer fare, to make sure these food items are cleanly prepared. Halo-halo, a Filipino potpourri-style refreshment made from sweets such as ice cream, leche flan, beans, fruits and crushed ice, is a popular food item during the summer months. But last week, at least one resident died while at least 15 others were hospitalized after eating what authorities suspected to be spoiled halo-halo in a Bicol province.—JMA/JV, GMANews.TV