"Three major aspects pertaining to food supply, food security, and food prices should be taken into account while commemorating World Food Day," Abadi stated during a virtual speech on "World Food Day, Ensure the Availability of Healthy Food" here on Friday.
Abadi noted that the government had supported the three aspects in ensuring that the community has access to food that is healthy and safe, sufficient food supplies, and affordably priced food.
"If there is supply, accessibility, and security, but the food prices are not affordable, it will become a problem. Hence, these three aspects must be supported by the state in ensuring food safety for the people of Indonesia," he affirmed.
Abadi highlighted the importance of guaranteeing food security from the upstream to downstream sectors, especially for processed food and its packaging widely opted for by the community.
The food packaging must have a label or a food recycling code that indicates the packaging is safe to use for food.
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Abadi pressed for more durable and safer packaging following the latest developments and rising mobility.
To this end, Abadi deemed it necessary to ensure that the food packaging is safe and not contaminated, as it will endanger public health.
For instance, the packaging of bottled water in the market must follow the applicable standards and not pollute food products inside in order to prevent harm to its consumers.
According to Abadi, his team had encouraged the use of plastic food packaging that easily decomposes in the environment or is of biodegradable nature.
"Plastic has an impact on the environment, so we encourage packaging that is biodegradable and easy to perish. It is a prerequisite since currently, plastic consumption is affecting our environment," he stressed. Moreover, consumers should be heedful of the packaging of processed food or bottled water. He stressed the importance of ensuring that products bear a food-grade labeling and recycling code.
Speaking in connection with the food supply, Abadi noted that the Indonesian government should ensure smooth availability of food supplies for communities nationwide.
"This is because without food distribution, people can find it difficult to access food due to geographical factors, distance, and other aspects," he stated.
Abadi called on the government to ensure that food prices be made affordable for the community.
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Translator: Martha S, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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