If the results show that Muscat grapes contain hazardous substances, the government will consider banning the distribution of the fruit, Sudaryono stated at the Presidential Palace here on Thursday.
He also emphasized that the Agriculture Ministry would recommend stopping the import of Muscat grapes if proven to contain hazardous substances, following an investigation by Thai authorities that revealed dangerous pesticide residues on similar fruit in their domestic market.
He further explained that most grapes currently distributed in Indonesia are imported, considering domestic production is still very limited.
He said that President Prabowo Subianto had also instructed that imports, including of fruits, such as grapes, be reduced gradually by maximizing domestic production.
The Agriculture Ministry will strive to encourage research and development to improve the quality of seeds and agricultural technology so that various fruits, including grapes, can be grown in Indonesia's climate and soil.
"So what can be produced domestically, we maximize to be produced. Grapes or fruits that we still import, if possible, we produce domestically. We try to use good seeds, with good research, genetic engineering, and so on," he remarked.
Regarding the cessation of food imports, Sudaryono explained that the final decision on this matter involves several ministries.
The Agriculture Ministry, for its part, will provide recommendations in the event of detrimental findings. The recommendations will later be implemented by the Trade Ministry.
"The recommendation is from the Agriculture Ministry, but the one who has the import order is the Trade Ministry. However, we came first, we have (to issue) a recommendation before it is implemented by the Trade Ministry," he concluded.
The National Food Agency (Bapanas) announced on Thursday 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," the agency's Acting Deputy for Consumption Diversification and Food Safety, Yusra Egayanti, stated.
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.
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, the agency 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, the government is also intensifying the promotion of local fruit consumption.
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Translator: Fathur Rochman, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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