The UPLB Business Affairs Office (BAO) recognized food concessionaires who complied with the University’s food safety standards at its First Food Safety Star Awards on December 18, 2024.

These food safety standards align with the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) Food Grading System Tools. 

The awards also support Food SAFE or the “Sustainability of Healthy and Safe Food Environments in UPLB” Program, which aims to transform campus food toward healthier and more sustainable choices.

In his opening message, Dr. Agham Cuevas, vice chancellor for academic affairs, who spoke on behalf of Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr., highlighted the initiative’s significance. 

In a video presentation, Atty. Lucieden Raz of DOST-FNRI commended UPLB for being the first to adopt the Food Safety Grading System Tools. 

She also praised UPLB food concessionaires for their proactive efforts to ensure quality food and safety standards for students and personnel.

Vice Chancellor for Administration Rolando Bello encouraged BAO to continue leading the UPLB Food SAFE Program and to keep recognizing concessionaires for their commitment to improving food service delivery for the UPLB community.

The Food Safety Star Awards were based on food inspection results, presented on a star-rating placard: 3 stars for a satisfactory rating (75-79%), 4 stars for a very satisfactory rating (80-89%), and 5 stars for an excellent rating (90-100%).

The 3-star awardees are Arnoks, SU Molawin Hall; Cadel’s Lugawan, New Dorm; and Leticia’s Cafeteria at Copeland.

The 4-star awardees are RP Hotdog Store, Veterinary Teaching Hospital; Kitchen Angels, Institute of Biological Sciences; A Grill Culture, NCAS Annex 2; Cafe Buchie, Francisco O. Santos Hall in the PhySci Building; and Simot Sarap Eatery, College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology.

The 5-star awardees are Hephep Sisig, UPLB BIOTECH; RP Hotdog Store, SU Molawin Hall; D&G Coffee Shop, International House Building; Papaloy’s Food Kiosk, IWEP; Chooks to Go, SU Molawin Hall; Simot Sarap Eatery, College of Veterinary Medicine; Donella’s Food Corner, Nemesio Mendiola Hall in ICrops; Vraja Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Alumni Plaza; Romnick Canteen, SU Molawin Hall; and Salad Country, also at the SU Molawin Hall.

The event also recognized the hard work of the BAO’s pool of inspectors and staff who ensured the successful inspection of the UPLB food concessionaires.

The First Food Safety Star Awards highlighted UPLB’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of food safety and sustainability on campus. By recognizing the efforts of its concessionaires, inspectors, and staff, UPLB sets a benchmark for quality and accountability in food service. 

Through the continued leadership of the BAO and collaboration with all stakeholders, the University strengthens its commitment to providing safe, healthy, and sustainable food environments for its community. (Alphecca A. Arriesgado and Sheryl B. Posadas)