The peak of the commemoration of WFSD 2023 was held at the auditorium of the Agriculture Ministry on Thursday (June 8) and attended by Agriculture Minister Syahrul Yasin Limpo, FAO Representative for Indonesia and Timor Leste Rajendra Aryal, and representatives of other ministries, agencies, and stakeholders.
"Food has a fundamental role in the sustainability of human life, and safe food, which is the right for everyone," Limpo said in a press statement obtained here on Friday.
This commemoration marks momentum in increasing Indonesia’s joint role in maintaining food security and all efforts to ensure safe food are necessary, Limpo added.
Since 2006, Indonesia has been working collaboratively with FAO, USAID and relevant stakeholders to strengthen food safety control systems by ensuring the safety of livestock products in Indonesia, while effectively controlling the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through encouraging the adoption of 3-zone biosecurity and hygiene-sanitation in farms.
Yohanes Baptista Satya Sananugraha, Deputy for Health Quality Improvement Coordination and Population Development of Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, explained that safe, healthy, and nutritious food is needed at every stage of the life cycle, since conception until old age.
“One of the high-quality food ingredients for the growth and development of children in efforts to prevent stunting is animal protein,” Sananugraha said.
A similar message was conveyed by Aryal, who highlighted the importance of food safety for public health and well-being.
“By upholding high food safety standards, we can save lives and ensure a safer food supply chain,” said Aryal.
Aryal further explained that unsafe food can also be produced by contamination of AMR organisms, which can potentially cause a silent pandemic. Therefore, the responsible and prudent use of antimicrobials in all sectors must continue to be intensified. "Let us commit to upholding high food safety standards and working collaboratively to safeguard public health and well-being," added Aryal.
At the same time, the Director General of Livestock and Animal Health Nasrullah stated that one of the government's efforts to ensure food safety is through Veterinary Control Number (NKV) certifications, which serve as a form of guarantee for the safety of livestock products for public consumption.
“Standards provide guidance on hygienic food handling for farmers, including the measurement of residues of pesticides and veterinary drugs, to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR),” Nasrullah said.
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Reporter: Asri Mayang Sari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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