Food Supervision For Ramadan 2022, DPR: Don't Let Expired Products Enter Eid Parcels

The floating market in Banjar, South Kalimantan, sells basic necessities on Sunday, December 2, 2018. (Antara/Bayu).

JAKARTA - House of Representatives Commission IX member Netty Prasetiyani asked the government to increase supervision of food and beverages in line with increasing public consumption during Ramadan 2022.

"Indonesian people tend to be more consumptive during the month of Ramadan. Irresponsible parties can take advantage of this opportunity to reap multiple benefits," said Netty in a written statement, Saturday 9 April.

Therefore, he asked the government to be more intense in supervising the distribution of food and beverages to traditional markets in the regions.

"Inspections (sudden inspections) must be carried out at food vendor centers, both in the city and in the regions. Make sure takjil food and ready-to-eat food circulating in the market are free of harmful ingredients," said Netty, as reported by Antara.

According to him, ensuring food safety is the government's duty to ensure the safety of the people.

"The high circulation of food and drinks containing hazardous substances is because there are still buyers. There are still many people who do not understand and cannot recognize foods that contain these dangerous substances," he said.

The Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician also asked the government to frequently educate and socialize about food suitable for consumption to the public in simple ways without having to do laboratory tests.

"People who are educated about safe and healthy food can recognize the presence of hazardous materials through the color, smell and elasticity of the food. Of course also by paying attention to packaging, labels, distribution permits, and expiration times," said Netty.

Cases of food poisoning that often occur, he continued, one of the causes is the lack of knowledge and thoroughness of consumers regarding healthy and safe food.

He also hopes that the government will supervise and provide guidance to processed food business actors in order to maintain food safety standards in their products.

"During the pandemic, many business actors have no buyers, so there are a lot of products left. Do not let expired products circulate in markets and even enter Eid parcels," he said.