Section 58December 22, 1997, Sec./Art. 58

Public Market and Abattoirs. - The Department shall encourage the LGUs to turn over the management and supervision of public markets and abattoirs to market vendors' cooperatives and for that purpose, the appropriation for post-harvest facilities shall include the support for market vendor' facilities.

The Department shall coordinate with the LGUs in the establishment of standardized market systems and use of sanitary market , facilities , and abattoirs, intended to ensure the food safety and quality.

All markets shall have a sanitation unit, proper and adequate drainage and sewerage system, ample water supply, public toilets with lavatories, garbage receptacles, ice plants and cold storage, adequate lighting and ventilation and supply of electricity to ensure cleanliness and sanitation. Price monitoring bulletin boards for selected commodities and weighing scales accessible to the public shall also be established.

Proper protection and preservation of agriculture and fisheries products being sold in the market shall also be observed. All foods which require no further cooking shall be wrapped , covered , or enclosed in containers to preserve the freshness and prevent contamination. Selling of products on market floors shall be prohibited.