MANILA - The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to be cautious of their food choice as Filipinos start celebrating the Christmas season.

Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, DOH spokesman, said the public should be aware of food safety, as selling of unclean or double dead meat and poultry in the market could be rampant during the Christmas season.

According to Lee Suy, one can determine the quality of meat through its smell, saying that stinking raw meat could be double dead. For buyers of fruits and vegetables, Suy said one can determine the product's freshness through its color.

"Bumili sa mga legitimate na tindahan. May mga suki naman tayo regarding sa anong klaseng food ang bibilhin (Buy from legitimate stores. If possible, buy from your stores you regularly buy from)," he said.

Lee Suy also reminded the public of sanitary precautions when serving and storing food—simple acts that can reduce chances of food poisoning.

"There are certain food that can be prepared in advanced. There are certain foods that get to spoil nang mas madali. Importante pag sine-serve, 'yung paggamit [dapat ay] serving spoon. (It is important to use a serving spoon when serving meals)," he added.

Meanwhile, Lee Suy reminded Filipinos not to eat too much during Christmas celebrations, saying that the season is not an excuse to binge on food, especially for those with diet restrictions.

He said uncontrolled food consumption during the holidays could trigger illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

"Hindi siya (Pasko) dahilan para mag-binge tayo sa food, lalo na 'yung mga may sakit. I guess responsibility natin to take care of ourselves as well (Christmas is not an excuse to binge on food especially for those with complications. It is our responsibility to take care of ourselves)," he explained.

Lee Suy suggested that families keep an eye of relatives with diet restrictions, or better yet, serve healthy food this Christmas season to make sure everyone is okay.

"Healthy foo