ABS-CBNNews.com reports that according to the study done by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Center for International Migration and Development (CIMD), food samples from Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Laguna, and University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman did not pass quality standards.  The street food tested an array of grilled meats, juice drinks, and others.

The report noted: "The DOST’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) warned the public that street food stalls do not pass the same process as certified food establishments."

In a report on the same subject, Inquirer.net quoted CIMD food consultant Dietmar Speckmaier, who said, "Initial results of the study showed significant amounts of pathogens like salmonella and E. coli [present in the food items examined]." Speckmaier pointed out: "The amount is significant enough to make people sick."

ABS-CBNNews.com interviewed UP Diliman food vendor Lauro Convinsido, who has been in the street food business for two decades. Convinsido, known in the campus as "Mang Larry," has people flocking to his spot and buying his isaw (pig or chicken intestines). He said he always makes sure that his products and equipment are clean. "Kasi ang sikreto ng kalinisan, huwag mo tipirin ang tubig. Kasi kapag nag-tipid ka, may tendency na maging madumi nga (The secret to cleanliness is to use water liberally. If you get stingy with water, then, of course, there's a tendency for things to get dirty)."

For the record, the DOST-CIMD study did not specifically identify the vendors who were selling "unsafe" street food. Perhaps, street food fans in the areas identified should just be more discerning about where they get their fix.

For more on this story, log on to ABS-CBNNews.com and Inquirer.net.