JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The National Food Agency (Bapanas) together with the Provincial Food Service as the Regional Food Safety Competent Authority (OKKPD) recently carried out a rapid test for pesticide residues on Shine Muscat grapes.
This test was carried out in almost 100 districts/cities in Indonesia to ensure the safety of imported wine after reports emerged in Thailand regarding pesticide residues above safe limits.
“The results of the rapid test conducted by OKKP show that the Shine Muscat grapes in circulation are safe to consume. Most of the results were negative, and only 10 percent of the samples had safe amounts of residue,” said Plh. Bapanas Deputy for Consumption Diversity and Food Safety, Yusra Egayanti, in her statement, Thursday (31/10/2024).
He added that some samples were still sent to the laboratory to ensure deeper residue content.
Also read: IPB Expert Explains Why Grapes Have a High Pesticide Risk
Supervision Remains Tightened
This rapid testing step was carried out in response to the discovery of pesticide residues in Shine Muscat grapes imported from China which were detected in Thailand.
Head of Bapanas, Arief Prasetyo Adi, in his statement, stated that his party would tighten supervision of fresh food in Indonesia and increase the frequency of lab tests.
“In accordance with the direction of the Head of the National Food Agency, we continue to strengthen supervision of fresh food products circulating in the community. We will continue to carry out periodic sampling and lab tests to maintain food safety,” said Yusra.
Meanwhile, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an official statement that Shine Muscat grapes from China are safe for consumption. Even so, strict supervision is still carried out in Indonesia to maintain consumer confidence.
Also read: Differences between Japanese vs Korean Shine Muscat Wine, Taste and Quality?
Appeal to Consumers
Apart from testing, Bapanas also appealed to the public to always implement good fruit consumption practices for safety and hygiene. “Make sure the wine you consume has a distribution permit. Wash the grapes with running water before consuming to minimize the risk of residue,” said Yusra.
On the other hand, Bapanas also promotes the consumption of local fruit, in line with Presidential Regulation Number 81 of 2024 concerning Food Diversity Based on Local Resource Potential. Bapanas’ Director of Food Consumption Diversity, Rinna Syawal, emphasized that local fruit offers freshness and better quality.
“Local fruit doesn’t have to travel far, so it is fresher and has a distinctive taste,” said Rinna.
Also read: The Origin of Shine Muscat Grapes, Where Does It Come From?
He also added that consuming local fruit helps support domestic products and increases food independence.
“Eating local fruit is part of loving domestic products, especially in the food sector. We must implement Presidential Decree 81 of 2024 together so that our food independence becomes stronger,” he said.
The National Food Agency is committed to continuing to maintain food safety through continuous monitoring and education for the public regarding healthy food consumption. It is hoped that rapid pesticide residue testing and strengthening consumption of local fruit will provide a sense of security for consumers and improve the welfare of local farmers.
Also read: 2 Tips for Buying Wine in Supermarkets, Advice from IPB Experts
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