"Regarding media reports about Shine Muscat grapes from China, the NFA, as the competent authority, will conduct further investigations," NFA head Arief Prasetyo noted in an official statement on Wednesday.
The investigation will involve sampling and laboratory testing to ensure the safety of products circulating in the Indonesian market.
"This step is part of our commitment to ensuring that food, especially fresh food, circulating in Indonesia is safe for consumption," Prasetyo remarked.
He stated that Presidential Regulation No. 66 of 2021, which follows Law No. 18 of 2012 on Food, mandates the NFA to ensure the safety of distributed fresh food. This is implemented through both permit issuance and market surveillance.
"We urge the public to not be easily swayed by unverified information. The NFA will continue to transparently provide information on fresh food safety in accordance with applicable procedures," Prasetyo pointed out.
Acting Deputy for Consumption Diversification and Food Safety Yusra Egayanti revealed that the NFA is strengthening regulations related to the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of pesticides for food safety.
She said that the pesticide MRL standard is regulated by the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture No. 53 of 2018.
"Currently, the NFA is refining the MRL standard in the National Food Agency Regulation, which is in the harmonization stage, considering Indonesian food consumption and practices," Egayanti explained.
Under National Food Agency Regulation No. 1 of 2023 on Fresh Food Labels, the NFA requires the inclusion of serving instructions on labels to ensure product safety.
"Especially for grapes, we require the statement 'Wash before consumption.' This washing process is crucial to reduce the risk of residue or contamination on the fruit's surface, as grapes are often consumed directly without peeling," Egayanti pointed out.
She urged the public to always practice food safety, such as reading labels and being cautious before purchasing, to increase awareness of food safety importance.
She highlighted that fresh food products with distribution permits have undergone food safety assessments, including laboratory testing.
However, to further enhance food safety, the NFA continues to monitor food products in circulation.
Sampling results from 2023 and 2024 indicate that circulating grapes are below the MRL threshold and safe for consumption.
"Nevertheless, concerning the issue of Shine Muscat grapes in Thailand, as directed by the head of the National Food Agency, we will conduct further investigations," Egayanti remarked.
Thai authorities detected pesticide residues in Shine Muscat grapes sold in the market. The Thailand Consumer Council reported that 23 out of 24 Shine Muscat grape samples tested contained hazardous chemical residues exceeding safe limits, prompting Malaysia to conduct tests on Shine Muscat grapes as well.
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Reporter: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Anton Santoso
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