JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Shine Muscat grapes are attracting public attention after Thai authorities discovered dangerous chemical residues on the fruit.
The discovery of dangerous substances in Muscat grapes raised concerns in various countries, including Indonesia, which immediately took preventive steps to protect public health and the ecosystem.
In Indonesia, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency immediately carried out a surprise inspection (sidak) at the quarantine inspection site (TPK) at Tanjung Perak Port, Surabaya, on Tuesday (29/10/2024), the “entrance point” for imported Muscat Wine.
The Quarantine Agency said this was done to ensure that all plant commodities, including Shine Muscat Grapes entering Indonesia, had complied with quarantine procedures in accordance with food safety regulations.
Also read: 4 Correct Ways to Wash Grapes to Remove Pesticide Residues
Strict Supervision
“We ensure that every commodity that enters through the entry gates has gone through strict supervision,” said the Head of the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, Sahat M. Panggabean, in a press release.
To Kompas.com, the Indonesian Quarantine Agency confirmed that one of the commodities being investigated was Shine Muscat Grapes.
The Quarantine Agency also explained that the function of preventing the entry of quarantine plant pest organisms (OPTK) and monitoring the safety of fresh food has been carried out through an integrated quarantine system.
Also read: Why should grapes be washed before eating?
muscat grape illustration. Must comply with procedures
In the Prior Notice system, all business actors in the country of origin are required to send supporting documents as an anticipatory step before the commodity arrives in Indonesia.
According to the Quarantine Agency, this makes the procedure for importing commodities into Indonesia not only faster, but also safer and meets all aspects biosecurity protection.
Apart from that, Sahat emphasized that every commodity entry procedure at the port must comply with applicable quarantine regulations, including the document verification stage and physical inspection of commodities.
“This procedure not only ensures food safety, but also minimizes the risk of OTPK entering which could have an impact on the sustainability of local plants and the balance of the ecosystem,” he said.
Also read: Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture Checks Safety of Shine Muscat Wine from China
Risk analysis
Sahat also explained that incoming plant commodities had gone through the Plant Destructive Organism Risk Analysis (AROPT) process to determine appropriate risk management in preventing the entry of pests that might be carried onto the commodities.
A risk assessment of food safety aspects was also carried out, and the results have been implemented in the form of monitoring the safety of fresh food of plant origin.
With this strict supervision, Sahat hopes to ensure that every commodity entering Indonesia is safe for consumption and does not pose a risk to human health and the domestic biological ecosystem.
Also read: Thailand Finds Chemical Residues in Shine Muscat Grapes
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