GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The catering service linked to a food poisoning incident that sickened at least 77 residents during a barangay Christmas party in December was operating without a sanitary permit and lacked complete health clearances for its food handlers, raising concerns over food safety oversight in the city.

City Health Officer Dr. Lalaine Calonzo confirmed that Ko N Kai Catering, which served food to nearly 300 guests at Barangay San Isidro’s year-end celebration on December 20, 2025, failed to meet minimum requirements under the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines or Presidential Decree No. 856.

Under PD 856, food establishments are required to secure a sanitary permit from the local government and ensure that all food handlers possess valid health certificates before operating. Violations may result in fines, suspension, or closure.

“Our investigation showed that some of the food handlers did not have health cards, which is a basic and non-negotiable requirement for food establishments,” Calonzo said.

Health inspectors also found that while certain areas of the food preparation site passed inspection, other sections failed to meet sanitary standards, indicating lapses in food handling, cleanliness, and workflow control. Authorities have yet to identify which deficiencies may have directly caused the suspected contamination.

Health officials noted that the absence of a sanitary permit alone should have barred the catering service from operating, regardless of partial compliance with other requirements.

Following the event, dozens of attendees experienced vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea—common symptoms of food-borne illness. The City Health Office confirmed 77 cases, with one individual hospitalized due to severe dehydration caused by persistent vomiting.

Patients were treated by the Rural Health Unit of Barangay San Isidro and later discharged after receiving medical attention. No fatalities were reported.

Residents said Ko N Kai Catering had been operating in the area for some time and was a familiar service provider for community events, prompting questions on how it was able to operate without the required permits.

Under the Local Government Code or Republic Act No. 7160, local government units are mandated to enforce sanitation laws, regulate food establishments, and protect public health within their jurisdictions.

Despite these requirements, the catering service was able to cater a large-scale public gathering without meeting legal standards.

Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao has ordered the RHU–San Isidro, headed by Dr. Giv Yumang, to submit a formal explanation regarding the incident. The city government is now preparing documentation for possible administrative and legal sanctions against the catering service, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Possible penalties under PD 856 include fines, denial of permits, suspension of operations, or closure, depending on the severity of the violations.

City health officials stressed that compliance with sanitation laws is mandatory, especially during mass gatherings, warning that food safety lapses can quickly escalate into public health emergencies.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to release additional findings in the coming days.