Heat Up Efforts To Monitor Fresh Food Security

JAKARTA - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) ensures that it is intensively monitoring the safety of fresh foods to ensure healthy quality, feasibility, and food safety for public consumption.

"We are trying to ensure that the fresh food circulating in the community meets security standards. This is our responsibility to provide maximum protection for consumers," said Bapanas Food Quality and Safety Supervision Director Hermawan quoting Antara.

Darmawan said that Bapanas continues to strengthen its commitment to protecting the Indonesian people from the potential risk of consuming fresh food that is not safe.

He said that throughout 2024 the Badanas had held monitoring in traditional and modern markets in various parts of Indonesia, including the momentum of Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025.

"Food security is a fundamental aspect in protecting public health," he said.

Therefore, Bapanas is committed to ensuring that every stage of fresh food distribution meets the standards so that consumers feel safe and confident in the products they consume.

"Therefore, monitoring of the safety of fresh food in circulation continues to be intensified," he said.

The monitoring was carried out together with the Regional Food Task Force and the Regional Food Safety Competent Authority (OKKP) as well as other related parties. Monitoring includes evaluating the application of good standards, zoning, claims, and food management.

As of December 2024, the Badanas team has visited more than 100 markets, consisting of 70 traditional markets such as the Kramat Jati Main Market in Jakarta, Beringharjo Market in Yogyakarta, and Badung Market in Bali, as well as 30 large modern and retail markets in cities such as Medan, Surabaya, and Makassar.

Monitoring results show that most business actors in modern markets have implemented adequate food safety and quality standards, including providing information on the origin of fresh food.

"However, in traditional markets, several challenges are still found, especially product zoning that has not been optimal and the lack of claims from fresh food security labels on certain commodities," he explained.

He said that his party would use the results of the monitoring as the basis for the preparation of food safety standards in 2025. This step aims to improve the weaknesses found and increase the effectiveness of future surveillance.

"We encourage the implementation of clear zoning and stricter supervision of food safety claims. This is important to ensure consumers get accurate information and fresh food that is safe to consume," explained Hermawan.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Security Standards and Quality for Food, Madanas Yusra Egganti, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and business actors.

Yusra said that monitoring was carried out not only to assess compliance with standards, but also to be a preventive effort so that the potential risk of food safety could be minimized from the start.

"With close cooperation, we can create a more trusted and sustainable food system," Yusra explained.

Previously, Head of Badanas Arief Prasetyo Adi said that as a government institution in charge of managing food security, his party and all levels ensured that the fresh food in circulation was safe and quality.

Arief said that food safety is the key to a healthier consumption pattern. With strict supervision and good standards, people can enjoy fresh food.

"We believe that the Indonesian people can enjoy fresh food without worrying about health risks," said Arief.

Through these various efforts, continued Arief, Bapanas not only provides a sense of security for consumers but also encourages business actors to be more responsible for providing decent and quality food.

"In the future, the synergy between the Government, business actors, and the community can create a better food ecosystem for all," said Arief.