Phnom penh: The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a warning for the upcoming Pchum Ben Festival, urging caution about food safety, alcohol poisoning, and road accidents. The ministry has advised the public to follow hygiene practices, avoid bootleg liquor, and drive safely to prevent health risks and fatalities.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the MoH's announcement aims to prevent any health issues related to eating unsafe food and consuming bootleg traditional wine. Additionally, the announcement seeks to address the anticipated increase in traffic accidents that typically occur during the festival every year.
The MoH has also called on authorities to help guide the implementation of food safety measures, ensuring that food is prepared safely and stored appropriately in pagodas. It emphasized the importance of not mixing different types of food to avoid food poisoning or food-borne diseases.
Furthermore, the ministry has urged the prevention of the sale of alcohol that is improperly mixed or produced, advising people to avoid using methanol in brewing traditional white wine, as it can lead to poisoning and death.
The MoH is asking the public to take initiative in implementing measures to protect their personal health, as well as that of their family and community. This includes being vigilant against food and alcohol poisoning, ensuring road safety, and preventing the spread of respiratory infections, influenza, bird flu, Covid-19, and other infectious diseases.