Rapid test shows muscat grapes safe for consumption: Bapanas

Kamis, 31 Oktober 2024 14:23 WIB

The National Food Agency (Bapanas) informed that Shine Muscat grapes are safe for consumption. (ANTARA/HO-Bapanas/rst)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Food Agency (Bapanas) announced that Shine Muscat grapes are safe for consumption after a rapid test for pesticide residues with the Regional Food Safety Competent Authority (OKKPD).

The test showed results that meet food safety standards.

"The results of the rapid test show that the Muscat grapes circulating in the market are safe for consumption," Bapanas' Acting Deputy for Consumption Diversification and Food Safety, Yusra Egayanti, noted in a statement from her office on Thursday.

Egayanti remarked that the rapid test was conducted in almost 100 districts and cities across Indonesia. The results showed 90 percent negative and 10 percent contained residues in safe amounts, making them safe for consumption.

"We still send some of the samples to the laboratory to confirm their content," Egayanti noted.

Earlier, Head of Bapanas, Arief Prasetyo Adi, said he would conduct further investigations regarding media coverage of Shine Muscat grapes in Thailand.

His side also urged OKKP and the provincial OKKPD to tighten supervision of fresh food safety in the market.

"Based on that direction, we would continue strengthening the supervision of the safety of fresh food products circulating in the community through sampling and periodic lab tests," Egayanti stated.

The case came to light when Thailand reported that pesticide residues above the safe limit were found in Shine Muscat grapes imported from China.

Although the rapid test in Indonesia showed positive results, Bapanas reminded the public to implement good practices before consuming grapes, including choosing grapes with a distribution permit and washing them with clean running water before consumption.

On the other hand, Bapanas is also intensifying the promotion of local fruit consumption.

Bapanas Food Consumption Diversification Director Rinna Syawal highlighted the advantages of local fruits, including their freshness and quality.

"Local fruits do not need to travel far before reaching consumers, so they are fresher and have a more distinctive taste," she stated.

Syawal highlighted that the directive to consume local fruits aligns with Presidential Regulation No. 81 of 2024 concerning the Acceleration of Food Diversification Based on Local Resource Potential.